Henry Horatio Couldery (1832-1893)
An aristocratic Pomeranian
oil on canvas
19 â…› x 24 â…› in. (48.5 x 61 cm.)
frame 24 x 28 â…› in. (61 x 71.4 cm.)
£9500
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Henry Horatio Couldery was a master of animal portraiture, and this portrait of a Pomeranian is among his finest works. Reclining beside a basket of wool and knitting needles (the mistress) and academic looking library books as the backdrop (the master), the artist has produced a particularly intimate composition, which suggests a strong personal connection; it likely that the knitting materials belong to Couldery’s wife, the books him, and the pom is theirs.
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The same Pomeranian appears in a number of other works by Couldery, a further indication that she belonged to the family. A notable difference in works such as Exemplary Behaviour, which sold at Christie’s for £20,133 in 2008, is that her left paw is absent. It’s possible that the loss was the result of an injury later in life, from an accident with a carriage wheel, or illness. Whatever caused the loss must have been existential, particularly in the days before antibiotics, and a full recovery must have taken much love, nurture, and care.
The pom lies on what appears to be a felted desk or table, which, along with the other darker palettes, pronounces her form, creating a very striking composition. Her coat is soft and healthy, the intricate hairs created with delicate brushstrokes, and impasto around her forehead and muzzle. Her eyes, nose and lips glisten with health, reflecting light from a window to the side, while her steady, loyal gaze is that of a companion, friend, and much loved member of the family.
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Pomeranians were very popular with the Victorians, and were bred by Queen Victoria, whose favourite was called ‘Marco’. in 1891, six of her poms, including Fluffy, Lulu, Nino, Gilda, Mino and Beppo participated in the inaugural Crufts dog show.