Hollandse School (XIX-XX), Circle of - St-Bernardshond (no reserve)






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| €86 | ||
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| €81 | ||
| €76 | ||
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St Bernard dog, an oil painting on panel in 19th‑century realism, attributed to the Kring van Hollandse School, signed by hand (signature not decipherable), Netherlands origin, sold with a new black frame with silver finish, panel size 24 × 17 cm and overall 39 × 27.5 cm, in good condition with minor paint losses and UV retouchings visible.
Description from the seller
Hollandse School (XIX–XX)
Saint Bernard dog
Oil painting on panel, 27.5 × 17 cm (with frame 38 × 27.5 cm)
Realism
Hand-signed (signature unclear)
Condition: minor paint loss; retouchings are visible under UV.
Introduction
This intimate animal portrait depicts a sitting Saint Bernard, sober and convincingly rendered on a small panel. The work is representative of the Dutch School from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in which realistic animal studies held a fixed and beloved place. The artist opts for a direct, unpretentious approach, emphasizing character, anatomical accuracy, and artistic craftsmanship.
The depicted subject
De Sint-Bernard is depicted in a calm seated posture, with the head slightly turned. This subtle movement gives the animal a watchful, almost contemplative expression. The choice of this breed aligns with the iconography of loyalty, strength, and reliability, qualities that were often deliberately emphasized in Dutch realistic painting.
Composition and image construction
The composition is compact and clearly structured. The dog's body forms a stable base, while the head serves as the visual center of gravity. By placing the animal slightly off-center and allowing space for the gaze direction, a balanced and natural image composition is created. The simple background prevents distraction and enhances the monumentality of the subject, despite its modest size.
Technique and painting style
The work is executed in oil paint on panel, allowing for a controlled and precise painting technique. The fur is built up from short, directional brushstrokes, with variation in tone and texture creating convincing volume. The head and eyes are rendered with greater care, giving the portrait a clear psychological presence.
Color palette and lighting effects
The color palette mainly consists of earth tones: warm browns, muted whites, and soft greens, supported by a dark, neutral background. The light gently falls over the head and chest area, creating subtle contrasts without sharp transitions. This understated lighting treatment is characteristic of realism within the Dutch School.
Stylistic placement within art history
Within the Dutch School (19th–20th century), this painting aligns with the tradition of the realistic animal piece, which emphasizes craftsmanship, faithful observation, and a certain restraint. The work belongs to the same broader movement as that of artists who focused on animal and landscape representations with a strong emphasis on recognizability and technical mastery.
Comparable national style peers are Otto Eerleman, Anton Mauve, Willem Maris, and internationally Rosa Bonheur, Edwin Landseer.
Signature
The panel bears a hand-signed indication, but in its current state, it is not unequivocally decipherable. The signature does not support a definitive attribution, which is why the work is rightly presented as belonging to the Dutch School.
Condition
The painting shows some small spots of paint loss. Under UV light, localized retouchings are visible, indicating previous, limited restoration. The overall impression remains neat and visually appealing.
Slot
A atmospheric and characterful dog portrait, representative of the Dutch realistic tradition around 1900. Due to its size, subject, and subdued appearance, the work is widely applicable within both classical and contemporary interiors.
No reserve.
The work 'Sint Bernardshond' is housed in a new matte black wooden frame with a silver-colored finish.
Total dimensions: 39x27.5cm
Panel dimensions: 24x17cm
All shipments are sent in professional packaging via FedEx, DPD, or PostNL.
For all shipments, a surcharge for packaging material applies, which is already included in the stated shipping price.
We aim to deliver your artwork to you safely and in optimal condition, paying careful attention to packaging and the shipping process. If you have any questions or special requests, you can always contact Catawiki customer service.
The customer is responsible for any customs duties and additional costs that may apply upon delivery abroad.
Seller's Story
Hollandse School (XIX–XX)
Saint Bernard dog
Oil painting on panel, 27.5 × 17 cm (with frame 38 × 27.5 cm)
Realism
Hand-signed (signature unclear)
Condition: minor paint loss; retouchings are visible under UV.
Introduction
This intimate animal portrait depicts a sitting Saint Bernard, sober and convincingly rendered on a small panel. The work is representative of the Dutch School from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in which realistic animal studies held a fixed and beloved place. The artist opts for a direct, unpretentious approach, emphasizing character, anatomical accuracy, and artistic craftsmanship.
The depicted subject
De Sint-Bernard is depicted in a calm seated posture, with the head slightly turned. This subtle movement gives the animal a watchful, almost contemplative expression. The choice of this breed aligns with the iconography of loyalty, strength, and reliability, qualities that were often deliberately emphasized in Dutch realistic painting.
Composition and image construction
The composition is compact and clearly structured. The dog's body forms a stable base, while the head serves as the visual center of gravity. By placing the animal slightly off-center and allowing space for the gaze direction, a balanced and natural image composition is created. The simple background prevents distraction and enhances the monumentality of the subject, despite its modest size.
Technique and painting style
The work is executed in oil paint on panel, allowing for a controlled and precise painting technique. The fur is built up from short, directional brushstrokes, with variation in tone and texture creating convincing volume. The head and eyes are rendered with greater care, giving the portrait a clear psychological presence.
Color palette and lighting effects
The color palette mainly consists of earth tones: warm browns, muted whites, and soft greens, supported by a dark, neutral background. The light gently falls over the head and chest area, creating subtle contrasts without sharp transitions. This understated lighting treatment is characteristic of realism within the Dutch School.
Stylistic placement within art history
Within the Dutch School (19th–20th century), this painting aligns with the tradition of the realistic animal piece, which emphasizes craftsmanship, faithful observation, and a certain restraint. The work belongs to the same broader movement as that of artists who focused on animal and landscape representations with a strong emphasis on recognizability and technical mastery.
Comparable national style peers are Otto Eerleman, Anton Mauve, Willem Maris, and internationally Rosa Bonheur, Edwin Landseer.
Signature
The panel bears a hand-signed indication, but in its current state, it is not unequivocally decipherable. The signature does not support a definitive attribution, which is why the work is rightly presented as belonging to the Dutch School.
Condition
The painting shows some small spots of paint loss. Under UV light, localized retouchings are visible, indicating previous, limited restoration. The overall impression remains neat and visually appealing.
Slot
A atmospheric and characterful dog portrait, representative of the Dutch realistic tradition around 1900. Due to its size, subject, and subdued appearance, the work is widely applicable within both classical and contemporary interiors.
No reserve.
The work 'Sint Bernardshond' is housed in a new matte black wooden frame with a silver-colored finish.
Total dimensions: 39x27.5cm
Panel dimensions: 24x17cm
All shipments are sent in professional packaging via FedEx, DPD, or PostNL.
For all shipments, a surcharge for packaging material applies, which is already included in the stated shipping price.
We aim to deliver your artwork to you safely and in optimal condition, paying careful attention to packaging and the shipping process. If you have any questions or special requests, you can always contact Catawiki customer service.
The customer is responsible for any customs duties and additional costs that may apply upon delivery abroad.
