Head of a Leonberger c. 1880 - 1892

dog

charcoal drawing

possibly oil pastel

portrait head and shoulder

green background

botanical photography

animal portrait

animal drawing portrait

animal photography

botanical art

natural

This watercolor painting by Otto Eerelman, created between 1880 and 1892, depicts a close-up portrait of a Leonberger dog. Eerelman, known for his animal portraits, captures the dog's gentle yet dignified gaze and the texture of its thick fur with remarkable detail. The painting is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing Eerelman's talent for capturing the personalities of animals in a realistic and expressive manner. This artwork is a testament to the enduring popularity of animal subjects in art, and Eerelman's masterful handling of the medium makes it a compelling example of nineteenth-century animal portraiture.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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The Groningen artist Otto Eerelman found his greatest success with his portraits of dogs. In his studio on the Elandstraat in The Hague, he taught his models to ‘sit’, before painting them. This Leonberger doubtless also ‘sat’ to the painter. This breed’s characteristic protruding snout and gentle faithful nature are here rendered with great fidelity.