Animalier painting “Saint Bernard Dog”

Original Animalier painting depicting St. Bernard Dog, anonymous, early twentieth century. The subject is placed in a typical mountain landscape context, the place of origin of the breed with a compelling history, which outlines its aptitude and devotion as an ideal companion. The Saint Bernard Dog is linked to the history of the Monastery located on the top of the Great Saint Bernard at 2469 m above sea level, founded in the 1695th century to offer shelter and accommodation to travellers. These dogs appear alongside the monks starting from the 1707th century, initially with the function of guardians. The first traces of their presence are testimonies of iconographic origin dating back to 1867 and recorded in the monastery register since 1884. Soon these dogs with a collaborative nature were trained to accompany pilgrims and save the missing during snowstorms. It is said that Bonaparte's army encountered this noble breed and spread the legend that they had found salvation from the white death thanks to these dogs. The Saint Bernard Dog soon became the typical Barry, the prototype of rescue breeds. In XNUMX the first stud book was established near Bern thanks to the breeder Heinrich Schumacher, the Swiss Saint Bernard Club was founded in XNUMX. There are two varieties, one with short hair or double hair and one with long hair, the size is considered giant with an imposing and majestic appearance, a harmonious body and a large, well-proportioned head with a powerful neck. It is a dog that has inherent courage and a predisposition to sacrifice, intelligent and docile and must be managed with balance and firmness.
The artist was able to capture the tranquility and the crystalline, sparkling and sunny atmosphere of a typical day in the woods high in the mountains, the pine forest is dense and allows some rays to filter through which warm the undergrowth. The idea is to involve the spectator and make him breathe the scents of resin and dew on the lush vegetation, paying homage to one of the oldest races deeply linked to man. The execution is precise, the brushwork vibrant and the colors brilliant. The canvas has a small reinforcement on the back.
The painting has already been viewed by a professional restorer who verified the integrity and good state of conservation, (reinforcement of the canvas) does not require further maintenance, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The frame is handcrafted.