Doe and Hope

Description

The life-sized French terrier in a seated position, having glass inset eyes and being very realistically painted and modelled, indistinctly signed to the base, the whole surviving from the zeniths of nineteenth century France.

Remaining in very good overall condition considering its relative fragility, there are no losses or cracks to speak of. Obviously, the silk ribbon is a later addition and can be removed if so desired. The signature is rather hard to read but we can certainly make out France and Gien, which is a faience centre.

As the piece is marked France it is therefore post the McKinley tariff act (1891) and the faience body and inset glass eyes are similar to that of Gallé pugs and cats made in Nancy in the same period.

A stunning and rare piece in this size and one that would be deserving of the spotlight in any room.