a dog in the light

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Ilya Repin (1844-1930) was famed in his native Russia for the depth of his work.  His subjects were often complex statements of class struggle and ideology, executed in the style of the old European masters. His portraits of the noble and the great among his countrymen are calm and insightful.  And so is this 1894 portrait of a dog (an older springer or Brittany?), presented with all the dignity any duke or prince could wish.  What a fine dog collar this fellow is wearing; it sets off his clean white and warm brown fur.  I wonder who was lucky enough to have him.