Charming Late 19th Century Black Forest Carved Limewood / Linden Wood Group Depicting a Mother Dog with Her Puppies

A charming late 19th century Black Forest carved limewood (linden wood) group depicting a mother dog with her puppies, sensitively observed and richly detailed. The figures are carved with considerable naturalism, capturing the gentle attentiveness of the mother and the relaxed, playful character of the pups. The group is attributed to Heinrich Mäder of Brienz, one of the most accomplished and influential carvers associated with the Black Forest tradition. Mäder’s work is noted for its warmth, realism and high level of craftsmanship, qualities clearly evident in this engaging composition. Comparable examples are illustrated in The Art of the Black Forest 1820–1940, pages 78–80.