A Gentle Companionship — Portrait of a Boy and His King Charles Spaniel, c.1680

A Gentle Companionship An Endearing Bond — Portrait of a Boy with His King Charles Spaniel Puppy, c.1680 Circle of Mary Beale (1633–1699) 🐶

📜 Subject & Medium

A late 17th-century oil on canvas, painted circa 1680, portraying a young boy tenderly holding his King Charles spaniel puppy — a breed adored by the English aristocracy for its elegance, gentle temperament, and close ties to the royal courts of Charles I and Charles II.
Titled “An Endearing Bond”, this Restoration-era work offers a rare glimpse into a personal and affectionate domestic moment rather than a purely ceremonial likeness. Its themes of innocence, loyalty, and warmth are beautifully distilled into the tender connection between child and pet.

🎨 Composition & Technique

The boy is depicted in a graceful three-quarter pose, body turned slightly toward the viewer, head tilted gently to draw attention to his serene, protective gaze. His right arm supports the puppy with quiet assurance, while the dog leans into him, completely at ease — a silent exchange of affection and trust.

He wears fine Restoration-period attire: a lustrous silk or satin tunic in muted silver-grey or soft chestnut, accented with delicate lace at collar and cuffs. Fluid, sweeping brushwork captures the drape of the fabric, while intricate detailing renders the lace with precision. The rich textures of his clothing contrast with the dog’s softly brushed coat, shimmering in warm browns and creams.

The palette is harmonious and warm: earthy ochres and umbers in the background set off the luminous skin tones of the boy’s face and hands. The artist’s technique balances smooth, blended modelling for the flesh with more expressive, textured strokes for the clothing and fur — a blend of refinement and painterly vitality.

✒️ Inscription

Verso inscribed “Bl”, suggesting a connection to the Circle of Mary Beale.

👩🎨 About the Artist – Circle of Mary Beale

Mary Beale was among the most respected portraitists of 17th-century England — and one of the few women to sustain a professional painting career at the time. Celebrated for her warm, lifelike portrayals and refined colour sense, she painted both aristocrats and fellow artists in London’s vibrant cultural scene.

Though unsigned, this portrait bears the hallmarks of her circle: finely modelled figures, softly luminous tones, and an emotional authenticity rare for the period. It may have been painted by an artist trained in her studio or deeply influenced by her style.

📏 Framed Dimensions

86 cm high × 74 cm wide × 4.5 cm deep

📜 Provenance

• Private collection

• Purchased Christie’s South Kensington, September 2004

• Later sold via a notable northern Shire auction

• Exhibited at a middle Shire museum

• Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

💖 Why You’ll Love It

✅ Rare and charming example of Restoration portraiture
✅ Captures an intimate, heartfelt bond between child and pet
✅ Linked to one of England’s most important female portraitists
✅ Original oval gilt frame with rich period patina
✅ Excellent provenance — including Christie’s sale and museum exhibition
✅ Ready to hang and enjoy, with enduring decorative and historical appeal

🔍 Condition Report

Canvas displays craquelure consistent with age; light surface wear. Frame stretcher lines visible through the canvas. No major losses or visible overpainting. The original oval gilt frame, later overpainted, shows expected scuffs and small losses but remains structurally sound. Fitted with hanging thread to reverse for immediate display.

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