This painting is marketed as “Landseer Newfoundland” by Edmund Bristow.
I cannot find the date for the painting, but it is unlikely that this was the original title.
The simple reason is that Bristow was a contemporary of Landseer, and the black and white large Newfoundlands didn’t get that name until some time later.
Newfoundland dogs of various types were known for their retrieving prowess. The big Newfoundland, sometimes call the “Large Labrador,” was capable of retrieving quite well. Its exact origins are not clear. It is even unclear if the dog existed in this form in Newfoundland itself or if this dog is nothing more than a European improvement upon the native water dog of Newfoundland.
I think the bulk of the evidence suggests the latter, but I could be wrong.
The modern form is much boxier with a lot more bone.
the Newfoundland dogs depicted in “The Sportsmen’s Cabinet” are very much like the dog in this painting (except for one having cropped ears!). And of course the “native water dog of Newfoundland” came from European stock originally– some of which almost certainly were long-coated and/or drop-eared.
M.R.S., do you have a link for “The Sportsmen’s Cabinet?” I googled the term and found a magazine, as well as a photographer site, but it was difficult to find the pics you describe of any Newfies. Thanks!
“The Sportsmen’s Cabinet” (or “Sportsman’s”) was a set of books published (if I remember correctly) around 1803 — very early 19th century in any case. Illustrated with hand-colored engravings and beautifully bound. I had the distinct honor of being able to examine a volume containing information on dogs some years ago. Fascinating illustrations. No doubt the book(s) are very rare now.
For the bibliophile: The full title of the work is “TheSportsman’s Cabinet, or a Correct Delineation of the Canine Race” by William Taplin, published 1803 by Dundee, London. Two volumes, with engravings after Reinagle and by Bewick. Said to be the 3rd book on dogs published in the English language. Listed on a booksellers’ site at from around $1000 to $11,000 depending on condition and binding. “Cabinet” was a 19th century term referring to a type of book.
Such a contrast to the modern version. It is hard to tell the size from this painting not knowing the size of the bird it is carrying and having no background images to judge from… Having been trained in painting restoration, I can see that this painting is very dirty. I would love to clean the painting to see the true color of the dog.