Épagneul

19th century oil painting on wood panel signed Ch. Virion for Charles Louis Eugène Virion (1865-1946), in the lower left. 

A charming small-format portrait of a pointer or spaniel, poised in the classic hunting stance against a soft countryside backdrop. One can easily imagine this as a tribute to a beloved companion or a celebrated hunting dog, its keen focus and alert posture captured with Virion’s characteristic precision.

This compact yet expressive painting is complemented by its vintage frame, featuring a muted fabric passe-partout (mat) that enhances its timeless appeal. A true collector’s piece, it exemplifies the work of Charles Louis Eugène Virion, renowned as the painter of animals in early 20th-century France. His mastery in capturing both the nobility and spirit of his subjects makes this an exceptional addition to any collection.

About Charles Louis Eugène Virion (1865-1946) 

Charles Virion was a French painter, sculptor, and ceramist, best known for his elegant depictions of animals. Born in Ajaccio in 1865, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts de Nancy before continuing his training in Paris, where he honed his skills under Jean-Paul Aubé and Charles Gauthier.

In 1889, he settled in Montigny-sur-Loing, a thriving artistic hub, where he worked with the Delvaux Faïencerie. His talent was widely recognized at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where he won awards for both sculpture and ceramics. Passionate about animal art, he co-founded the Salon des Artistes Animaliers in 1913.

Virion’s work, celebrated for its expressive and lifelike style, can be found in major collections, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in the U.S. He passed away in 1946, leaving behind a notable legacy in the world of animal painting and sculpture.

• Overall Size: 9.4" x 11.4" / 24cm x 29.5cm. 
  
• Size without the frame: 3.5" x 5.5" / 9cm x 14cm. 
  
• Country: France. 
  
• Signed: Charles Louis Eugène Virion (1865-1946).
• Date: Late 19th or Early 20th-century.
• Condition: Despite a few traces, the whole is in very good condition. 
  
• Materials: Oil on wood panel in stretched canvas Marie-louise with a lightweight more modern wooden frame. 
• Shipping: Free global shipping, with a surcharge added for Australia and New Zealand, and Asia.