Mystery Painting with Dog

Back around the early days of Top eBay Chess Items by Price, I posted a related piece titled Chess Art, Chinese Copies (July 2010). Although the eBay store I linked on that post now returns 'The seller User ID you entered was not found', I imagine there are many such copies in circulation.

When I saw the auction for the item pictured below -- titled '16C MEN PLAYING CHESS WHILE LARGE DOG LOOKS ON' -- I thought it was perhaps another Chinese copy, but the original doesn't appear on the reference page Tableaux Échecs - Chess Paintings (*). Copy or not, 'LARGE DOG LOOKS ON' sold for somewhat less than US $3750, 'Best offer accepted'.

The description said,

Up for purchase is this absolutely Charming Oil Painting beautifully Framed of two 16th or 17th Century Men of the Court playing Chess while a very large Hound looks on. The painting surprisingly is not signed but of such high quality that I find it perplexing not to see a noted Artist who signed this work. It is really so well done.

The background is fascinating showing a 16thC Court Cupboard, Tapestry etc. The costume and looks afforded by the Gentleman are great also the painless expression of the Hound dog just staring ahead. Please notice the hands of the chap on the left. Wonderful representation of one of the most difficult things to paint, the human hand.

This glorious scene measures approx 16" by 13" and that is the unframed measurements. The gilt frame is quite nice and sets off the 2 Gentleman and CANINE observer, and at the price I have marked, I will be quite surprised if this does not sell rather quickly. The painting has dust on it and could use a cleaning, If you do get a cleaning be prepared to see so much more of the interior backround which is not very noticeable now. Paint appears to be in very good condition.

It strangely has a metal backing to the verso covering the Canvas. I know not why. That is how this painting was purchased right out of a large Victorian Estate owned by an old College Professor in Dutchess County NY. He himself was a Chess Master but many years ago.

Remember Chess Paintings Require Dogs? They do indeed add to the overall effect.

(*) Last seen on this blog in Endless Diversion.