Général Symon and Ping-Ching: A Late 19th-Century Dual Chow Chow Oil Portrait by Zilia Klias

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Général Symon and Ping-Ching: A Late 19th-Century Dual Chow Chow Portrait by Zilia Klias
This distinguished late 19th-century French oil … Read more Général Symon and Ping-Ching: A Late 19th-Century Dual Chow Chow Portrait by Zilia Klias
This distinguished late 19th-century French oil on canvas by Zilia Klias presents a rare dual portrait of two Chinese Chow Chows, Général Symon and Ping-Ching.

Both dogs are depicted in half-length frontal position, directly engaging the viewer. Général Symon conveys composed authority, while Ping-Ching shows alert, focused intelligence. Klias captures the breed’s defining characteristics—the deep-set eyes, broad muzzle, leonine mane, and dense double coat—with remarkable anatomical accuracy and refined painterly control.
Layered glazes in warm siennas, ochres, and umbers lend the rich coats a natural luminosity, while careful modulation of light around the ruff and muzzle enhances the tactile depth of the fur. The lightly aged patina of the 19th-century canvas further contributes to the work’s period character.

Composition and Technique
The painting employs an uncommon symmetrical format for canine portraiture of the era. Positioned shoulder-to-shoulder, the dogs create a strong central axis reminiscent of paired aristocratic portraiture. Their unified gaze immediately anchors the composition, yet the differentiation in expression preserves each animal’s individuality.
Klias demonstrates mastery of varied brushwork:
Short, directional strokes articulate the voluminous mane
Smooth, tapered strokes describe the outer coat
Subtle, feathered blending shapes the facial planes with sculptural clarity
The background is treated as a soft, warm gradient, producing an atmospheric field that allows the subjects to advance visually. This controlled vignette aligns with the naturalistic tendencies of the late 19th-century French School.

The Chow Chow Breed
Originating in northern China, the Chow Chow is one of the world’s oldest documented dog breeds. Known for its dense double coat, upright triangular ears, distinctive blue-black tongue, and leonine bearing, the breed has long been associated with Chinese nobility. European interest grew during the 19th century, when collectors and intellectuals—including figures like Sigmund Freud—admired the breed’s dignified temperament and independence. Period paintings of Chow Chows remain comparatively scarce and highly collectible.

The Artist: Zilia Klias, French School
Zilia Klias worked within the naturalistic current of the French School, demonstrating consistent skill in anatomical observation, fur modelling, and tonal balance. Her animal portraits are valued for their clarity, expressive subtlety, and compositional reserve. In this dual portrait, she succeeds in capturing both the physiognomy and the temperament of Général Symon and Ping-Ching, resulting in a work of notable presence and character.

Signature
Signed “Zilia Klias” at the lower right, consistent with known examples of the artist’s period signature.

Framing
Presented in its original traditional oak frame, which complements the warm tonality of the dogs’ coats and preserves the historical integrity of the piece.

Dimensions (Framed)
Height: 65 cm
Width: 70 cm
Depth: 2 cm

Provenance
The painting originates from France and remained in the Lebreton family for several generations. A handwritten inscription on the reverse records this lineage and states that the painting was not to be sold except in circumstances of significant financial need. The inscription reads:
French:
“TABLEAU
Dans la famille depuis l’arrière-grand-père Gaston Lebreton
À ne vendre qu’en cas de gros besoin d’argent
PAPA
Pour Franck Lebreton”
English translation:
“PAINTING
In the family since the great-grandfather Gaston Lebreton
Not to be sold except in case of great need for money
DAD
For Franck Lebreton”
After leaving the Lebreton family, the work passed through a reputable dealer in Petworth, a town renowned for its historic art trade, and was later examined and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. The painting thus maintains a clear, traceable, and professionally documented provenance.

Condition Report
The painting is offered in fine period condition. The surface shows age-related craquelure, areas of minor paint loss, historic retouching, and scattered foxing. A small dimple is present in the canvas near Général Symon’s temple. The original oak frame shows wear, scuffing, dust, and small chips consistent with age and long-term handling. See less