Original Framed Pastel Portrait of a Doberman Pinscher

This is an original 8x10 inch pastel painting of a Doberman Pinscher on suede pastel board, presented in a formal frame. The artwork features a high level of detail in the rendering of the canine subject, utilizing the velvety texture of the suede board to mimic the soft sheen of the dog's black and tan fur. The dog is positioned centrally against a vibrant, textured green background, wearing a distinctive light blue or teal collar. Anatomical proportions are accurately captured, showing high craft quality and a realistic style. The piece is signed and dated in the lower-right quadrant of the image, appearing to read '2013'. The art is matted with a dual-matting technique featuring a thin black inner border and a wider neutral beige outer mat. It is housed in a substantial, classically styled wooden frame with a warm honey-oak or cherry finish and a deep profile. The condition appears excellent with no visible fading, smudging, or moisture damage to the suede board or matting. The frame is structurally sound with a smooth finish, showing very minor shelf wear consistent with an item about a decade old.

I have performed a visual examination of this original 8x10 pastel portrait of a Doberman Pinscher. Based on the provided details, the artwork demonstrates superior technical execution, particularly in the artist's use of the suede board's nap to simulate the glossy, short-haired coat of the breed. The anatomical precision and the contrast of the teal collar against the vibrant green background suggest a skilled hand, likely a commissioned piece or a high-end gallery work from 2013. The condition appears to be excellent; however, pastels on suede are highly sensitive to vibration and moisture, which cannot be fully assessed without checking for pigment shedding or foxing behind the glass. The dual-matting and heavy wooden frame add significant decorative value, though they represent a subjective aesthetic choice. Market conditions for contemporary canine art remain steady, primarily driven by breed enthusiasts. Comparables for smaller-scale, high-detail animal pastels typically fall within the mid-hundreds, depending on the artist's reputation. The primary limitation of this appraisal is the inability to verify the artist's signature or the archival quality of the mounting materials. A full authentication would require removing the backing to inspect for a certificate of authenticity or artist's stamp, verifying the provenance through sales receipts, and confirming that acid-free materials were used to prevent long-term discoloration of the suede board. This valuation represents the fair market value for a high-quality, contemporary pet portrait of this caliber in the current secondary art market.