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71–75 Shelton Street
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Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

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17th Century Oval Portrait Oil Painting Boy with Dog Circle Mary Beale
REF: LA542338
£14,000
€16,324
$18,829
LoveAntiques Dealersince Mar 2017Approved item549 sales by dealerFree Delivery
LoveAntiques Dealersince Mar 2017Approved item549 sales by dealerFree Delivery
Description
An Endearing Bond — Restoration Portrait of a Boy with His King Charles Spaniel Puppy, c.1680 🐶
Circle of Mary Beale (1633–1699)
📜 Subject & Medium
A late 17th-century oil on canvas depicting a young boy tenderly cradling his King Charles spaniel puppy—a breed treasured by the English aristocracy for its grace, gentle nature, and association with the courts of Charles I and Charles II. Painted during the Restoration era, this portrait captures a rare moment of domestic intimacy, evoking innocence, loyalty, and the warmth of companionship.
🎨 Composition & Technique
The sitter is posed gracefully in three-quarter view, head gently tilted, eyes serene yet protective. His right arm encircles the spaniel in a gesture of quiet guardianship, the puppy nestled trustingly against him.
He wears a fine silk or satin tunic—possibly silver-grey or soft chestnut—trimmed with delicate lace at the collar and cuffs. The artist’s brushwork alternates between smooth, luminous modelling in the boy’s skin and expressive, textured strokes in the drapery and the dog’s coat. Warm, earthy ochres and umbers in the background enhance the flesh tones, while the dog’s soft browns and creams shimmer in the light.
✒️ Inscription
Verso inscribed “Bl”, suggesting a link to the circle of Mary Beale.
👩🎨 About the Artist – Circle of Mary Beale
Mary Beale was one of the most respected portraitists in 17th-century England and among the very few women to sustain a professional painting career at the time. Known for her warm, lifelike portrayals and refined colouring, she painted members of the gentry and her fellow artists in London’s vibrant art world.
This portrait bears the hallmarks of her style—refined figure modelling, luminous palette, and emotional authenticity—indicating the hand of an artist closely trained in or influenced by her studio.
📏 Framed Dimensions
86cm high × 74cm wide × 4.5cm deep
📜 Provenance
Private collection
Purchased Christie’s South Kensington, September 2004
Later sold through a notable northern Shire auction
Privately Loaned & Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
💖 Why You’ll Love It
✅ Beautiful example of Restoration portraiture
✅ Emotional, tender bond between child and pet
✅ Attributed to the circle of one of England’s most important female artists
✅ Original oval gilt frame with period patina
✅ Strong provenance with Christie’s and museum exhibition history
✅ Ready to hang and enjoy
measurements
Height:
86 cm
Width:
74 cm
Depth:
4.5 cm
declaration
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD has clarified that the 17th Century Oval Portrait Oil Painting Boy with Dog Circle Mary Beale (LA542338) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being c.1680
condition
🔍 Condition Report
Canvas displays age-appropriate craquelure and surface wear; stretcher lines visible. No major losses or overpainting noted. Frame retains its original oval form with later overpainting, showing scuffs and minor losses but remaining structurally sound. Fitted with hanging thread for immediate display.
additional info
Period:
Category:
Material:
Date of Manufacture:
c.1680
location
This 17th Century Oval Portrait Oil Painting Boy with Dog Circle Mary Beale is located in Greater London, United Kingdom
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