Godfrey Douglas Giles, Portrait of Tynedale Denmark 1889, Oil on Panel, Framed

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A fine Victorian sporting dog portrait by Major Godfrey Douglas Giles (1857–1941), signed and dated by inscription to 1889. Painted … Read more A fine Victorian sporting dog portrait by Major Godfrey Douglas Giles (1857–1941), signed and dated by inscription to 1889. Painted in oil on panel, the work depicts a dog identified by the historic inscription on the reverse as Tynedale “Denmark”. The named subject and precise dating give the painting particular interest within the tradition of late 19th-century British sporting and animal portraiture. Giles was particularly accomplished at depicting animals and sporting life, bringing together careful observation with a freer handling that anticipated the development of British sporting painting in the early 20th century. The work is signed at the lower right, while the reverse is inscribed “Tynedale ‘Denmark’ 1889.” This surviving inscription is an appealing feature, preserving the identity of the animal portrayed and firmly placing the work within the Victorian period. Presented in a decorative frame, the relatively intimate scale makes this an especially versatile example of traditional British sporting art. About Godfrey Douglas Giles Major Godfrey Douglas Giles (1857–1941) was a British military officer and painter particularly associated with sporting, hunting and military subjects. Born in Karachi, then British India, Giles served in the military in India, Afghanistan and Egypt before retiring with the rank of Major in 1884. His first-hand experience of military life informed a number of his early compositions. Following his military career, Giles pursued painting more extensively and studied in Paris under the celebrated French portrait painter Carolus-Duran. He subsequently lived and worked in London and Newmarket, placing him close to the centre of Britain's horse-racing and sporting culture. Giles became particularly recognised for depictions of hunting countries, horses, dogs and military subjects. His work occupies an interesting position between more formal Victorian sporting painting and the increasingly fluid approach adopted by later artists of the genre. Details Artist: Major Godfrey Douglas Giles (1857–1941) Date: 1889 Subject: Tynedale “Denmark” Medium: Oil on panel Period: Victorian / Late 19th century Origin: British Style: Sporting Art / Animal Portraiture Signature: Signed lower right Inscription: Inscribed verso, Tynedale “Denmark” 1889 Artwork dimensions: 25 × 35 cm (10 × 14 in.) Framed dimensions: 41 × 51 cm (16 × 20 in.) Size: Small Presentation: Framed See less