study of a smile

thanks wikimedia commons (PD)

John Henry Dolph (American, 1835-1903) was once called "the Landseer of America," and when I look at this undated Study of  a Dog I can see why. He's using the same noble postures, dramatic cast to the light, and sensitivity to the intelligent glow in this fellow's face.  (Really look at a Landseer dog sometime and you'll see what I mean.)  We've seen a lighter side to Dolph before here at the Museum with a kitten vs. butterfly confection.