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Arthur Wardle signed black and white print of Bulldogs, dated 1924.
£ 380.00
Signed in pencil - bottom right hand margin.
A strong and decorative black and white print by Arthur Wardle of a group of British bulldogs posed on stone steps. Full of decorative appeal - bulldogs are enduring symbols of twentieth century British cultural identity - associated with strength and resilience. This work celebrates the breed’s distinctive traits - their powerful presence with memorable faces, muscular forms and alert stances. It is created with Wardle's characteristic precision and excellent detailing, as shown on the dogs coats and their wonderfully caricature expressions. The strong decorative impact of this print is further accentuated by the powerful tonal contrast in colours and shades, both on the statutory surrounding the dogs and in terms of their appearance.
The print is in its original period varnished wooden frame and mount. On its reverse is the label from the publisher and engraver - Fred (Frederick) Mansell, London. The label acts as a publisher's circular announcement and forewarns potential customers of the next Arthur Wardle limited edition run, also confirming the provenance of the print. (Mansell was well known and highly regarded for his high-quality engravings using the works of leading British artists).
History ~
Arthur Wardle (1864 - 1949) was a renowned British animal painter and illustrator of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, celebrated for his detailed and characterful depictions. He trained at the Royal Academy Schools and exhibited there regularly, gaining particular acclaim for his canine studies, which combined anatomical accuracy with personality and character.
Condition ~
Several signs of wear to the original frame, some losses and chips. The mount is speckled and there is a large watermark at the bottom right hand corner, as shown in the images.
