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John Anthony Wheeler
19th century English Portrait of a Black, White and Tan Jack Russell Terrier

circa 1880

$3,450
£2,580.49
€3,016.81
CA$4,877.09
A$4,899.67
CHF 2,826.17
MX$59,626.47
NOK 32,829.92
SEK 33,302.41
DKK 22,552.39

About the Item

JOHN ANTHONY WHEELER Portrait of a Black, White and Tan Jack Russell Terrier Oil on artist’s board, circa 1880Signed lower rightPresented in its original gilt frame This engaging British animal portrait by John Anthony Wheeler depicts the head of a black, white and tan Jack Russell Terrier in profile. Painted circa 1880, the work belongs to the established tradition of British sporting art, in which dogs were portrayed with close attention to their appearance, temperament and individual character. The terrier is shown facing right against a restrained olive-brown background. Its predominantly white coat is enlivened by black and warm tan markings across the head and ears. The closely framed composition gives the animal a commanding presence while retaining the intimacy and immediacy of a personal portrait. Particular attention has been given to the dog’s expression and the distinctive colouring of its face. Fine, controlled brushwork describes the short hair around the muzzle, neck and forehead, while darker passages establish the folded ear and strongly marked head. The alert eye and softly modelled muzzle convey an intelligent, steady and quietly attentive character. The subdued background provides tonal contrast without distracting from the sitter. Its muted brown and olive notes complement the black and tan markings of the dog and harmonise with the mellow gilding of the frame. The result is a balanced composition in which profile, colour and expression remain the principal focus. John Anthony Wheeler (1821–1903) was an English painter known principally for sporting and animal subjects, particularly portraits of horses and dogs. His work reflects the Victorian enthusiasm for country pursuits and the close relationship between owners and their animals. Wheeler’s paintings are admired for their naturalistic detail, careful observation and ability to convey the individual character of their subjects. The work is painted in oil on artist’s board and is signed by Wheeler at the lower right. Its intimate scale, restrained setting and sensitive treatment of the animal are characteristic of British canine portraiture of the period. The painting retains its original richly ornamented gilt frame. Decorated with scrolling foliage and floral motifs, the frame has an attractive, time-softened surface that provides an impressive period setting for the work. Its elaborate design contrasts effectively with the direct simplicity of the portrait. Characterful, decorative and highly representative of the British sporting tradition, this painting would make a distinctive addition to a collection of canine portraiture, sporting art or traditional interiors. Its appealing subject, original frame and finely observed execution give it both historical interest and enduring visual appeal.
  • Creator:
    John Anthony Wheeler (English)
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1880
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Width: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    the painting is in excellent original conion.
  • Gallery Location:
    Woodbury, CT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU507318459772

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