Two Dogs Resting

The foremost animal painter in Victorian England, Landseer was known for his ability to infuse his subjects with “human” sentiment and motivations. This unfinished study, made when the artist was only nine years old, reveals that he developed this ability early on. The two dogs sprawl on the ground, weary and drained expressions on their faces, as if they have just collapsed after a hard run. In addition to his ability to depict character, Landseer possessed an eye for naturalistic detail. In fine strokes of chalk and watercolor, he captures the waving fur of the smaller dog, which differentiates it from its shorter-haired companion (2022).