JOHN HENRY DOLPH (AMERICAN, 1835-1903) ANIMAL PAINTING, oil on artist's board, a finely executed depiction of three kittens at play, signed lower left. Housed in an ornate, possibly original, giltwood frame with molded-composition ornament. Fourth quarter 19th century. 6 5/8" x 11 5/8" sight, 14 1/4" x 19 1/2" OA.
Painting in very good condition with minor craquelure/uneven varnish. Frame with wear and losses.

Provenance: From a Virginia private collection.
Catalogue Note: Born in Fort Ann, NY, John Henry Dolph (1835-1903) studied in Antwerp under Jean-Louis Van Kuyck (Belgian, 1821-1871) and later in Paris, 1868-1873. Recorded as a portrait painter working in Detroit, MI during the 1850s, he eventually made his way to New York City where he regularly exhibited landscape and genre paintings. In 1875, however, his painting of a Persian cat generated such strong interest that he quickly shifted his focus almost exclusively to depictions of dogs and cats. The present work, noteworthy for its deft treatment of light and texture, clearly demonstrates those qualities of the artist's work that viewers continue to find so appealing.

Painting in very good condition with minor craquelure/uneven varnish. Frame with wear and losses.