Mother Dogue And Her Pups,19th Century Dog Painting Barbizon School

An absolutely charming 19th century dog painting depicting a mother dogue and her exuberant topsy turvy pups in the stables, with a young child given them a fuss!

Dating from ca 1860-70, the oil on canvas is unsigned, but bears on the verso a rather special stamp from colour and artists supplies merchant Paul Durand-Ruel (1831-1922). Paul Durand-Ruel is now of course better known as the legendary art dealer who launched, almost single handedly, the Impressionist movement. He represented Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Renoir in his Paris, London and New York Galleries.

Like his father Jean Marie, Paul Durand Ruel had started as both a merchant of art supplies, and dealer. Often, these two activities overlapped, as he would supply cash strapped artists who left paintings as security. Paul Durand Ruel was one of the first to discover Barbizon artists such as Thodore Rousseau, and represented Camille Corot.

Our painting, bearing the Durand Puel stamp, is hence likely to have been painted by a Barbizon artist, and can be situated there.

Measuring 61 x 50 cm, the artwork has been restored and is in fair condition, with some wear and imperfections, but presenting well. Tension bands have been added, and the canvas has been consolidated. The overall framed size in a more recent quality frame are 69 x 81 cm.