Dog with a Kitten by Otto Eerelman

Otto Eerelman
1839-1926 | Dutch

Dog with a Kitten

Oil on canvas
Signed “O. Eerelman” (lower right)

This monumental painting is by the celebrated Dutch artist Otto Eerelman, one of 19th-century Europe's most popular and important animal portraitists. A triumph of the genre, Dog with a Kitten showcases two of Eerelman's favored subjects: large-breed dogs and a meticulously executed Dutch interior. Impeccably painted, the work possesses the precise detailing and depth of character that are the quintessential components of Eerelman’s output.

In this heartwarming composition, a majestic large breed dog rests in a lavishly decorated room, complete with a luxurious carpet and silk-covered table, with a snoozing kitten beside him in a moment of unlikely friendship. Eerelman mastered the art of depicting not only the dogs’ physical characteristics but also their unique expressions and personalities. His wealthy clientele would bring their pets to his home in The Hague, where they would live for a period of time while having their portraits done, allowing for a remarkably true-to-life portrayal. The narrative is simple yet profound, embodying both the elegance and emotional depth for which Eerelman became so famous.

Hailing from Groningen, Netherlands, Eerelman was dubbed the “Northern Rembrandt” during his lifetime. He received his artistic training at the Academy Minerva in Groningen, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and then private lessons in the studio of the great Lawrence Alma-Tadema. He successfully captured the attention of the Dutch court, particularly Princess Wilhelmina, with his meticulous approach to endearing subjects. His artistic contributions were so great, and his work was so valued in the Netherlands, that he was knighted at the age of 80. Eerelman’s paintings have long been coveted on the market for their inherent charm. Other examples of his dog portraits can be found in the Rijksmuseum, and in 2015, a major retrospective of his work was held at the Museum Nienoord in Leek, Netherlands. 

Late 19th century

Canvas: 37" high x 55" wide (93.98 x 139.70 cm)
Frame: 43 3/4" high x 61 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" deep (111.12 x 156.21 x 6.99 cm)

Literature:
Harry J. Kraaij, Otto Eerelman, Groninger kunstenaar, 1839-1926, Schiedam 2012, no. 160, p. 125, illustrated