Antique Dog Painting 
“The Shah," a Yorkshire Terrier
Circa 1870
Oil on canvas.
12 ¾ x 12 ¾ (21 x 21 frame) inches.
Original ornate gilt stucco frame.
 
Superb animal painting by George Earl, a great specialist in the genre. This portrait is painted in the round on a square canvas. It is very characteristic of the painter who created many round and oval portraits; signed on the right side. George specialized in sentimental or dramatized pictures of dogs.

George Earl (1824–1908) was a painter of the Realist School and tradition. His work was primarily of sporting dogs and other animals. Earl was a keen sportsman, and this is reflected in his work and reputation as a dog painter. He was also an early member of The Kennel Club.

Although chiefly remembered as a canine artist due to his success depicting them. Earl exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1857 and 1882 only two were of dogs. In one year Earl exhibited a massive 19 works. His most famous paintings belong to the series ‘Champion Dogs of England’, circa1870, reflecting his membership of the Kennel Club and his interest in the animal. Earl also exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists which was an alternative to the Royal Academy.
 
He was also the father of Maud Earl and Percy Earl, and the brother of Thomas Earl, all three of whom were also animal artists. Maud went on to achieve great critical and commercial success.