Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier (after Decamps) by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (1803–1860), c.1882 photogravure, 11×16 in, signed in plate, Edition de Luxe No. 35.
This rare 19th-century photogravure after Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps depicts two powerfully rendered dogs, exemplifying French Romantic realism and masterful animal painting from the Secrétan Collection Edition de Luxe, published in 1882 and limited to only 104 copies.
Artwork Description
Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier is a refined photogravure reproduction of an original 1837 painting by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps, one of the leading figures of French Romanticism. The composition presents two dogs—one standing in profile and muzzled, the other reclining and gazing outward—captured with psychological presence and anatomical precision. The subdued tonal palette, textured surface, and dramatic chiaroscuro emphasize Decamps’ mastery of realism and narrative tension.
Produced using the photogravure process, this work achieves remarkable depth, tonal richness, and painterly fidelity, closely approximating the original oil painting. The plate is signed in the image “Decamps 1837” and published as part of the prestigious Edition de Luxe documenting the legendary collection of Mr. E. Secrétan. The work reflects 19th-century fascination with character studies, domestic animals, and moral symbolism, hallmarks of Decamps’ mature style.
Artist Biography – Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps
Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps was born in Paris on March 3, 1803. Largely self-taught, he briefly studied architecture and trained under painter Étienne Bouhot, though his artistic development was shaped more profoundly by independent study and extensive travel. A pivotal journey to the Near East in the 1820s profoundly influenced his visual language, making him a foundational figure in French Orientalism.
Decamps became known for his dramatic realism, bold contrasts, and expressive handling of form. His works often depicted animals, biblical scenes, genre subjects, and Orientalist themes, rendered with psychological depth and unconventional compositions. Admired by contemporaries including Delacroix, Decamps exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and achieved international acclaim during his lifetime.
He was awarded the Legion of Honor and enjoyed patronage from elite collectors, including Ernest Secrétan. Decamps’ influence extended to later Realists and Romantic painters, and his works are held in major museum collections worldwide. He died tragically in Fontainebleau in 1860 following a hunting accident.
The original Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier reflects Decamps’ interest in animal character studies, combining observation with narrative restraint—qualities that made his work highly sought after in the 19th century.
Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (1803–1860), Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier, c.1882 photogravure after the 1837 original, Edition de Luxe No. 35, 11 × 16 inches. Rare Secrétan Collection plate.
Certificate of Value & Authentication
Artist: Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (1803–1860)
Title:Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier
Medium: Photogravure on paper
Date: c.1882
Edition: Edition de Luxe, No. 35 of 104
Dimensions: Sheet 11 × 16 inches | Image 6.5 × 8 inches
Authentication: Verified period photogravure from the Secrétan Collection
Estimated Fair Market Value: See pricing below
Certified by: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Provenance (Collector Format)
Private European Collection
→ Acquired in Europe and New York City
→ Mitch Morse Gallery, NYC
→ Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (Current Owner)
Citations
Bénézit Dictionary of Artists, Éditions Gründ
Grove Art Online, Oxford University Press
The Secrétan Collection, Boussod, Valadon & Co., Paris, 1882
Musée du Louvre artist archives on Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps
Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier (after Decamps) by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (1803–1860), c.1882 photogravure, 11×16 in, signed in plate, Edition de Luxe No. 35.
This rare 19th-century photogravure after Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps depicts two powerfully rendered dogs, exemplifying French Romantic realism and masterful animal painting from the Secrétan Collection Edition de Luxe, published in 1882 and limited to only 104 copies.
Artwork Description
Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier is a refined photogravure reproduction of an original 1837 painting by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps, one of the leading figures of French Romanticism. The composition presents two dogs—one standing in profile and muzzled, the other reclining and gazing outward—captured with psychological presence and anatomical precision. The subdued tonal palette, textured surface, and dramatic chiaroscuro emphasize Decamps’ mastery of realism and narrative tension.
Produced using the photogravure process, this work achieves remarkable depth, tonal richness, and painterly fidelity, closely approximating the original oil painting. The plate is signed in the image “Decamps 1837” and published as part of the prestigious Edition de Luxe documenting the legendary collection of Mr. E. Secrétan. The work reflects 19th-century fascination with character studies, domestic animals, and moral symbolism, hallmarks of Decamps’ mature style.
Artist Biography – Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps
Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps was born in Paris on March 3, 1803. Largely self-taught, he briefly studied architecture and trained under painter Étienne Bouhot, though his artistic development was shaped more profoundly by independent study and extensive travel. A pivotal journey to the Near East in the 1820s profoundly influenced his visual language, making him a foundational figure in French Orientalism.
Decamps became known for his dramatic realism, bold contrasts, and expressive handling of form. His works often depicted animals, biblical scenes, genre subjects, and Orientalist themes, rendered with psychological depth and unconventional compositions. Admired by contemporaries including Delacroix, Decamps exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and achieved international acclaim during his lifetime.
He was awarded the Legion of Honor and enjoyed patronage from elite collectors, including Ernest Secrétan. Decamps’ influence extended to later Realists and Romantic painters, and his works are held in major museum collections worldwide. He died tragically in Fontainebleau in 1860 following a hunting accident.
The original Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier reflects Decamps’ interest in animal character studies, combining observation with narrative restraint—qualities that made his work highly sought after in the 19th century.
Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (1803–1860), Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier, c.1882 photogravure after the 1837 original, Edition de Luxe No. 35, 11 × 16 inches. Rare Secrétan Collection plate.
Certificate of Value & Authentication
Artist: Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (1803–1860)
Title:Bull-Dog and Scotch Terrier
Medium: Photogravure on paper
Date: c.1882
Edition: Edition de Luxe, No. 35 of 104
Dimensions: Sheet 11 × 16 inches | Image 6.5 × 8 inches
Authentication: Verified period photogravure from the Secrétan Collection
Estimated Fair Market Value: See pricing below
Certified by: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Provenance (Collector Format)
Private European Collection
→ Acquired in Europe and New York City
→ Mitch Morse Gallery, NYC
→ Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (Current Owner)
Citations
Bénézit Dictionary of Artists, Éditions Gründ
Grove Art Online, Oxford University Press
The Secrétan Collection, Boussod, Valadon & Co., Paris, 1882
Musée du Louvre artist archives on Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps
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