19th Century French School

Irresistible animal portrait representing two Cavalier King Charles spaniels on either side of an adorable little white lamb. This superior quality work was produced between 1840-1850 by an unknown artist. A very similar representation of this painting, signed P. Billmark and dated 1858 was auctioned at Bonhams New York in 2012, although that version differs slightly from ours in that it was painted on a wood panel, is smaller in size, has a few added elements and appears to be cropped on the sides. This genre of endearing animal composition is reminiscent of works by Belgian artist Félix De Vigne or British painter Sir Edwin Henry Landseer.

Unsigned oil on canvas recently relined and restored, with a French Restoration period giltwood and plaster frame. A label on the back reads: A la Palette d'Or, Rue Royal 15 Tours MARCADIER MARCHAND D'OBJETS D'ART.

Charles-René Marcadier was a fine art dealer established in Tours, a city in the Southwest of France about 240 km from Paris. He began selling art supplies in 1867 to a mixed clientele of professional and hobby artists, but a few years later he abandoned this activity to become specialized in the sale of art objects and painting rentals. His business appears to have ceased operations in 1860.

Artist: Unknown (Unsigned).
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions: 47.5 x 60 cm. / 18 ¾ x 23 ½ in.
Frame: 61 x 72 cm. / 24 x 28 ¼ in. Giltwood and plaster, very good condition.
Origin: France.