William Secord Gallery, Inc.

09/21/2022

BRITISH SCHOOL, THE BUMBLEBEE

The iconography of this painting is typically Victorian, in which the artist is telling a story, often with an underlying moral message. The white dog - perhaps a Maltese type, is alert and fascinated by the bumblebee. The Cavalier King Charles seems to be sleeping through all the excitement. Is the Maltese protecting the spaniel or merely guarding what food is left on the blue and white plate?

British School (19th Century)
The Bumblebee
Oil on canvas 8 x 10 inches
Framed: 9 ¾ x 12 inches
$4,000

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

09/16/2022

CHRISTINE MERRILL
DOG PAINTING, A ROYAL TRADITION

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of her Majesty the Queen. Hers was an extraordinary public life, but Christine Merrill’s whimsical painting reminds us of her private life, a lifelong love of dogs and animals.

Christine Merrill (American, 20th Century)
Dog Painting, A Royal Tradition, 2006
Oil on board, 24 x 30 inches
Framed: 27 ½ x 33 ½ inches
Private Collection

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

09/16/2022

ENGLISH SCHOOL, TOY SPANIEL WITH PINK BOW

This is a quintessential pet portrait, where this Toy Spaniel is important because of its relationship to its master, its only function to be a charming pet. While not signed or dated, it probably dates from late nineteenth century England, influenced by such artists as Sir Edwin Landseer, Landseer’s painting of the Queen’s favorite pets employs a similar, if more complicated, composition.

English School, 19th Century
Toy Spaniel with Pink Bow
Oil on board, 11 x 10 inches
Framed: 15 ½ x 14 ½ inches
Provenance: Thomas O’Neal Collection
$6,500

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

07/25/2022

ZACHARIAS NOTERMAN, PLAYFUL PETS

Zacharias Noterman was a Belgian artist who was born in Ghent, but eventually moved to Paris where he specialized in paintings of dogs and animals, often in anecdotal situations. Of particular interest to him were paintings of monkeys dressed up as humans engaging in human activities, known as singeries. Popular during his lifetime, he exhibited his work in Belgium is well as the Salon in Paris.

“Playful Pets” is typical of the artist’s work in his use of rich autumnal colors, applied in a painterly, expressive way. Unlike most of Noterman’s work, however, it is large in scale. The dogs are beautifully painted, composed in a classic triangular composition. The accessories such as the basket of flowers are painted with great detail.

Zacharias Noterman (Belgian, 1820-1890)
Playful Pets
Oil on board, 25 x 33 ½ inches
Framed: 37 x 45 inches
Price upon request

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

07/06/2022

ENGLISH SCHOOL, 19th CENTURY, OTTHERHOUND

This charming portrait highlights the Otterhound as a pet, simply posed and staring directly out at the viewer. The breed is very old indeed, tracing its ancestry in Great Britain to the twelfth century and the reign of Henry II, who was the earliest known Master of the Otterhounds.

The breed was first used of necessity, and then as a sport.
Otterhounds were kept in packs and by the nineteenth century several famous packs had been developed. The breed eventually became quite rare because of water pollution and the depletion of fishing stock. Hunting with Otterhounds was made illegal in the United Kingdom in 1978 but the breed continues as a valued pet and show dog.

English School, 19th century
Otterhound
Oil on canvas, 12 x 12 inches
Framed: 16 x 16 inches
$4,500

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm
With all best wishes,
William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

07/06/2022

SCHOOL OF LANDSEER
BLOODHOUND & SCOTTISH DEERHOUND

This depiction of a Scottish Deerhound and a Bloodhound is clearly reminiscent of the paintings of Sir Edwin Landseer. Landseer was known for his depictions of sporting life in the Scottish Highlands, and his expressive portraits of Scottish Deerhounds, Bloodhounds and terriers were reproduced as engravings and sold around the world. Born of humble beginnings, Landseer's great talent and refined social skills easily brought him to the heights of London society. Indeed, he did many commissions for the Royal Family, and Queen Victoria was so fond of his work that she named him Animal Painter to the Queen.

This painting is stylistically related to Landseer's work and easily identified as "School of Landseer." While not a copy of the master's work, it is reminiscent of his brush work, and his rich and expressive palette.

School of Edwin Landseer, 19th Century
Bloodhound & Scottish Deerhound
Oil on canvas, 9 x 12 inches
Framed: 14 1/4 x 17 1/4 inches
$5,500

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

07/06/2022

CHRISTINE MERRILL, WASABI, BEST IN SHOW 2021

We are pleased to present Christine Merrill’s portrait of the Best in Show Pekingese, Wasabi, co-owned by the legendary handler/breeder David Fitzpatrick. Fascinated by dogs from an early age, David worked his way up in the purebred dog world to become one of the most important proponents of the Pekingese.

Wasabi is the grandson of the British import, Ch. Palacegarden Malachy, who was awarded Best in Show at New York’s prestigious Westminster Dog Show in 2012. With multiple Best in Show’s under his belt, Wasabi went on to win Best in Show at Westminster in 2021.

Christine Merrill was the ideal choice to depict Wasabi, pictured here with a Best in Show silver bowl and a profusion of Best in Show ribbons. The artist had also painted Malachy, the 2012 Westminster Best in Show winner, also owned by David Fitzpatrick. Christine, whose work has been represented by the William Secord Gallery for over thirty years, has the uncanny ability to capture the true essence of a dog. She is currently accepting new commissions.

Christine Merrill (American, Contemporary)
Wasabi, Best in Show 2021
Oil on canvas, 20 x 24 inches
Private collection

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

05/06/2022

ENGLISH SCHOOL, WAITING FOR MASTER

This is a classic pet portrait, where the owner’s affection for the dog is more important than how it conforms to the standard for its breed, or how it performs in the field.

Of diminutive size, this charming spaniel is waiting for his master to return. Note how the spaniel’s right paw rests gently on his master’s glove. This pictorial convention is repeated throughout nineteenth century dog paintings, most notably in Sir Edwin Landseer’s portrait of the Greyhound Eos, Prince Albert’s favorite dog.

English School, 19th Century
Waiting for Master
Signed indistinctly
Oil on canvas, 14 x 18 inches
Framed: 23 ½ x 19 1/4 inches
$6,500

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

03/30/2022

William Secord Gallery, Inc.

FANNIE MOODY, PLAYMATES, 1892

Fannie Moody was a well-known English artist who specialized in portraits of dogs and animals around the turn of the century. She exhibited five paintings at London’s Royal Academy between1888 and 1897, and she also exhibited her paintings at the Walker Gallery in Liverpool in 1915 and 1920.

In addition to her portrait work, Moody often painted anecdotal or humorous subjects, such as this depiction of dogs running down a beach. The standard Poodle leads the pack, rushing ahead with a walking stick in its mouth while with his short legs, the Dachshund tries valiantly to keep up. This work may have been an illustration for a periodical before the advent of color reproduction. It is painted in tones of grey, or “en grisaille,” as it is known.

Fannie Moody (English, 1861- 1948)
Playmates, 1892
Gouache on paper, 12 x 16 ½ inches
Framed: 21 x 25 ½ inches
Provenance: Shirlee & Lawrence Kalstone Collection
$3,500

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

19th & 20th Century Dog & Animal Paintings, Works on paper & Bronzes, and Dog Portraiture
Open by appointment

03/29/2022

William Secord Gallery, Inc.

LILIAN CHEVIOT, PLAY TIME!

While nineteenth century artists often depicted Pointers and Setters working in the field, or Greyhounds coursing, it is rare to see paintings such as this, of Sealyham Terriers in action. Cheviot has captured the bright, sprightly nature of the breed and while the puppies rush out to greet us, they seem to virtually leap off the canvas. The Sealyham was developed in nineteenth century England by Captain John Tucker-Edwardes, and later by Sir Jocelyn Lucas whose breeding stressed the sporting nature of the Sealyham, rather than solely how it conformed to the standard for the breed.

Lillian Cheviot specialized in painting dogs and animals, having studied at Frank Calderon’s School of Animal Painting and Walter Donne’s Life School. Popular during her lifetime, she exhibited at London’s prestigious Royal Academy between 1895 and 1899. Her paintings often have a soft, atmospheric quality about them, as seen in this example of her work.

Lilian Cheviot (English, fl. 1894-1920)
Play Time!
Oil on canvas, 16 x 24 inches
Framed: 21 ½ x 29 ½ inches
Price upon request

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

19th & 20th Century Dog & Animal Paintings, Works on paper & Bronzes, and Dog Portraiture
Open by appointment

03/29/2022

William Secord Gallery, Inc.

JOHN CHARLTON (ATTRIBUTED), PRIDE OF PLACE, ca. 1890

While known primarily for his paintings of horses, hounds and sporting dogs, Charlton was equally skilled at painting dogs of all kinds, as seen here in his portrait of a white Spitz type dog with a Labrador Retriever in the background.

This portrait is attributed to the artist because it is typical of Charlton's style of painting, but also because the subject matter is similar to other paintings by Charlton. Note for instance, that a very similar painting by the artist is reproduced on page 123 of “Popular Nineteenth Century Painting” by Hook and Poltimore (Antique Collectors’ Club). The faces of both dogs are expressively rendered and the body of the Spitz more loosely painted, capturing the dog’s anatomy and its lush white coat.

John Charlton, Attributed (English, 1849-1917)
Pride Of Place, ca 1890
Oil on canvas, 24 ½ x 30 inches
Framed: 38 x 44 inches
Provenance: Private Collection, UK
Price on request

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With warm regards and best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

19th & 20th Century Dog & Animal Paintings, Works on paper & Bronzes, and Dog Portraiture
Open by appointment

04/20/2021

JACQUES-BARTHÉLEMY DELAMARRE

SEATED POODLE and SEATED WHITE ANGORA CAT, pair

There are relatively few French eighteenth century paintings of dogs. And while the names Desportes and Oudry come to mind, they were better known for their paintings of sporting dogs, done for the King and the French aristocracy.

An exception to this rule is the work of Jacques-Barthélemy Delamarre, who was best known for his portraits of Marie Antoinette’s favorite pet dogs. The Queen (reigned 1774 to 1793) doted on her small canine companions, all of whom she named Pompon. This particular painting is one of several versions, including one from the estate of Mrs. Vincent Astor. Pompon is typically shown with desk accessories to illustrate its small size, but the paintings do vary from one version to another. Little is known about the white Persian cat whose portrait accompanies Pompon, undoubtedly also a favored pet of the Queen.

Jacques-Barthélemy Delamarre (French, 18th Century)
Seated Poodle on a Writing Desk, one of a pair
Oil on canvas, 9 ½ x 12 ¾ inches
Framed: 12 x 15 inches
Provenance: Shirlee & Lawrence Kalstone Collection

Jacques-Barthélemy Delamarre (French, 18th Century)
Seated White Angora Cat, one of a pair
Oil on canvas, 9 ½ x 12 ¾ inches
Framed: 12 x 15 inches
Provenance: Shirlee & Lawrence Kalstone Collection

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

03/16/2021

PALM BEACH ILLUSTRATED FEATURES
BRUCE BIERMAN & WILLIAM SECORD'S RESIDENCE!

The March issue of “Palm Beach Illustrated” features the Palm Beach penthouse of award-winning interior designer Bruce Bierman and his husband, the art dealer William Secord.

Located on the thirtieth floor overlooking the intra-coastal, the town of Palm Beach and the ocean, this apartment proves that mixing modern design and antique dog paintings makes for spectacular results.

Bierman, who was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2000, has received innumerable accolades for his work, known for its couture-like attention to detail. And art dealer Secord has for over thirty years specialized in animal paintings and dogs in particular, some of which have found the perfect home in this thirtieth floor aerie in the sky.

Please click on the following link to view the full article https://issuu.com/pbmg/docs/pbi_march_2021_web/114

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With warm regards and best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

01/28/2021

CHRISTINE MERRILL, LUKE

Christine Merrill is America’s finest painter of dogs in the classical tradition. Inspired by such artists as George Stubbs (1729-1806) and Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873), she has over the years developed her own unique style; depicting not only the physical appearance but also capturing the unique individuality of the dog she is painting.

Christine’s recent commission of a Welsh Springer Spaniel named Luke is a case in point. As his owner says, “Christine captured our Luke brilliantly, even though she had not met this dog in person.” Indeed, the portrait was painted entirely from photographs, videos, the client’s observations, and collaborative conversations with the artist creating what Christine calls a “virtual commission.” With people traveling less, this has allowed Christine to accept new commissions, meet new dogs and create lasting memories for their owners.

Christine Merrill (American, Contemporary)
Luke
Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

12/16/2020

TRISTAN L. JULES LaCROIX FRENCH HOUNDS AT REST, 1883

The tradition of the hunt in France has a long and venerable history, with packs of hounds kept by the aristocracy since as early as 122 BC. Large hunting establishments were developed, culminating in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The sport of the hunt became very formalized under Louis XV, for instance, who maintained a hunt staff of two equerries, 12 lieutenants, 24 captains, 4 valets for the Bloodhounds and 70 grooms. His stables maintained as many as 250 horses and up to 400 hounds!

In contrast to the prevalent Romantic School, several artists of mid nineteenth century France saw a return to nature and realism. Artists such as Constant Troyon, Charles Olivier de Penne and Tristan LaCroix left Paris to paint surrounded by nature in the vast forests of Fontainebleau.

This depiction of hounds resting after the hunt is typical of LaCroix’s work, with the loosely applied paint creating a sun-dappled and almost luminescent effect. LaCroix often painted hounds and while we do not know the exact breed of those here depicted, they would have been a part of Grande Vénerie, hunting red deer, roe deer, wild boar and wolves.

Tristan L. Jules LaCroix (French, 1849-1914)
French Hounds at Rest, 1883
Oil on canvas, 28 ½ x 36 ¾ inches
Framed: 44 x 51 ½ inches
Provenance: Shirlee & Lawrence Kalstone Collection
Illustrated: William Secord “Dog Painting, A History of the Dog in Art,” page 129
Price upon request

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/home.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

12/07/2020

SHIRLEE AND LARRY KALSTONE COLLECTION

Shirlee and Larry Kalstone were the quintessential collectors, putting together an extraordinary collection of dog paintings, works on paper and walking sticks with the image of the dog. Their collecting interests evolved directly from their interest in the history of purebred dogs, their care and grooming. An icon in the world of dog and cat grooming, Shirlee wrote 16 best-selling books on a variety of subjects, but especially books on grooming Poodles, undoubtedly her favorite breed. Along with her husband Larry, she developed high-end grooming products under the Ring 5 name, allergy products for Allerpet and founded Intergroom in 1981, an international grooming conference which brought together dog groomers from around the world.

The Kalstones’ collecting interests were wide ranging with paintings from as early as the eighteenth century, to classic paintings by such artists as Maud Earl (1863-1943), George Horlor (1823-1895) and Gourlay Steel (1819-1894), who was Queen Victoria’s animal painter in the Scottish Highlands. They also collected the work of living artists, notably Christine Merrill and Joseph Sulkowski, with two examples in this exhibition.

This collection is a legacy of their devotion to the dog. We are pleased to offer these works for sale in fond memory of a truly doggy couple.

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view the entire exhibition: http://www.dogpainting.com/exhibition.cfm

With all best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

10/22/2020

J. H. BERRY, WAITING FOR DINNER

The history of the St. Bernard is wrapped in mystery and romance, conjuring up images of the breed in the eighteenth and nineteenth century at its ancestral home in the Swiss Alps. The monks of the St. Bernard Hospice kept the breed where its life saving abilities could be put to good use. The St. Bernard pass which links Switzerland and Italy is especially treacherous and it was said that because of its extraordinary scenting abilities, St. Bernards could detect lost travelers under up to twenty feet of snow!

And while the St. Bernard was initially bred for function, it was soon taken on by the pure bred dog fancy. Dogs were imported to England for breeding purposes and to win in the show ring. J. H. Berry depicts our St. Bernard in a classic show pose; it is viewed from the side, it's head slightly turned toward the viewer to show off how it conforms to the standard for the breed.

J. H. Berry (English, 19th Century)
Waiting for Dinner
Oil on canvas, 18 x 22 inches
Framed: 21½ x 25 ¼ inches
Provenance: Alexandra Griggs Bishop Collection
$6,500

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/search_results.cfm?ExhibDate=20200828

With warm regards and best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky

09/29/2020

ENGLISH SCHOOL, 19th CENTURY, READY FOR DINNER

The Otterhound is a very old breed indeed, tracing its ancestry in Great Britain to the twelfth century and the reign of Henry II, who was the earliest known Master of the Otterhounds. The breed was first used out of necessity, and then as a sport. Otterhounds were kept in packs and by the nineteenth century, several famous packs had been developed. The breed eventually became quite rare because of the depletion of fishing stock, partly due to water pollution. Hunting with Otterhounds was made illegal in the United Kingdom in 1978 but the breed continued in the twentieth century as a valued pet and show dog.

This portrait is skillfully painted with rich, textural brush work and appears to be related to the well-known English animal artist, John Emms (1843-1912). Best known for his horse, hound and terrier paintings, Emms' work was characterized by his quick, fluid application of paint, such as is seen in this painting. He was also known for his use of a particular blue-green which animated his canvases, an effect which can be seen in this painting, especially on the door and masonry in the background.

English School, 19th Century
Ready for Dinner
Oil on canvas, 24 x 20 inches
Framed: 29 ½ x 25 ½ inches
Price on request

Please contact us for more information or visit our website to view our entire inventory: http://dogpainting.com/search_results.cfm?ExhibDate=20200828

With warm regards and best wishes,

William Secord and Galina Zhitomirsky