Dog portrait oil painting by Martin Theodore Ward 1799-1874

A charming oil on artist board dog portrait by the artist Martin Theodore Ward 1799-1874. The work depicts the head of a toy breed dog in beautiful detail and with a wonderful expression. The painting is in good untouched condition and does not appear to be signed, however it has a strong attribution on the reverse. The label from the City of York Museum shows it was exhibited in an exhibition of York artists in 1913; it gives the artist’s name and that of the lender. Martin Theodore Ward (1799-1874) trained to paint animals under Edwin Landseer He was the son of eminent engraver William Ward (1762-1826) and nephew of James Ward (1769-1859) which propelled Ward into the elite circles of artistic patronage. He exhibited at the Royal Academy copiously between 1820 and 1825. Ward had a turbulent life and having hailed from London he ended up a recluse in York and is most closely associated with the city. This fine example of his work is framed in a period gilt frame which has had some wear and tear over the years and restoration, but with a great look that suits the painting well. C.1830.
Overall sizes in inches including frame: 14 ¼ by 15 ¾