ARTIST SIGNED English Bulldog by Morgan Dennis, ORIGINAL Mat/Frame, Dated 1927

Fine Art : Printmaking : Etching : Dogs

 

We are extremely happy to offer this incredibly realistic etching of an English Bulldog by Morgan Dennis, one of the most famous canine artists of the United States. It is signed in pencil by the artist just below the plate, and at the bottom of the mat, also in pencil, is written "An Englishman and a Gentleman".

PLEASE EXCUSE OUR PHOTOS and IGNORE GLARE, REFLECTIONS AND SHADOWS, because we did NOT remove this from the frame.

Printed within the etching at the bottom left is MORGAN DENNIS - 1927 and at the bottom right the dog's name DREWWALD CENTAUR INTERNAT. CHAMP.

Didn't the artist absolutely capture the character of not only the breed, but the individual dog - so powerful yet so gentle. This self-assured fellow could be ready to take on all comers yet for his master, he's a clown and best pal. It's as close to a perfect depiction of the English Bulldog as we've ever seen.

Even better, this vintage illustration is in what must be its original mat and frame. We obtained it together with a second artist-signed etching of a Pekingese which is not dated but must date from the same time period, framed with an absolutely identical frame and mat.

SIZE: Frame: 6-1/2 inches wide, 9-1/4 inches tall. Mat opening: 3-5/8 inches wide, 5-1/4 inches tall. Just adorable - it will fit most anywhere!

CONDITION: Lovely, as found. NO staining, NO rips or tears, NO foxing or other similar damage to the paper. We have NOT attempted to clean this or touch it up in any way. The illustration and mat in perfect condition, except for some very slight, graceful age darkening of the paper. There appear to be a few specks of dust under the glass, that would be normal in a frame of this age that hasn't been opened and cleaned. NOTE: Although most of the backing paper remains, much has been torn away, allowing dust to enter.

The frame is wood painted black, with a few expected tiny chips and slivers along the edges here and there but not terribly distracting, and which could easily be touched up. On the back are original nails holding the piece in the frame. The hanger is string, tied between two nails.

An incredible find – an untouched, original piece.

BACKGROUND: Morgan Dennis (1892-1960) is one of the most famous names in animal art illustration in the United States. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he lived on Long Island, New York and on a houseboat in Key West, Florida. He studied art with William Harry Warren Bicknell. At the New School of Design in Boston, he studied the art of etching and traveled to England to study painting. During his lifetime, the multi-talented Dennis became an expert in the craft of etching, on which he gave lectures. After writing for newspapers in Boston for 10 years, he finally settled into his primary interest, drawing and writing about dogs.

Some of his best known artwork includes illustrations of the “Black and White Scotties” he created on commission for the Black and White Scotch Whiskey Company, which became a highly successful advertising campaign used for many years. A mural, “The Dog House” is in the bar/lounge of the Sheraton Russell Hotel in New York, New York. Dennis also illustrated many magazine articles and books, especially children’s books, and is well known for authoring and illustrating books himself, including “Pup Himself” and the “Morgan Dennis Dog Book.”

Item ID: 2009-00115

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MPORTANT: We will discount if you purchase BOTH our Morgan Dennis etchings - please email for information!