Beloved Dinkie Wu: A Portrait Miniature of a Dog

The Victorians were the first to bring the domesticated dog into the home as a pampered pet. The sentimentality of the era was not lost on these cherished and indulged animal companions. Lending support to that contention is the legion of paintings immortalizing canines.

Here, rendered in watercolor, is a signed (S.A. Burchett) portrait miniature framed with turned black lacquered wood surrounding a matting of gilt metal. The Three Graces has not opened the piece to determine on what medium the painting was done. As no grain lines are apparent, it does not appear to be of ivory so most likely celluloid or other similar material. This treasured Pekingese pup is depicted in muted blues and grays and reclining across a red ottoman and making direct eye contact with the viewer. The details are fine, with large and round very dark eyes set wide apart and the long and straight texture of the coat carefully painted. Even the fringing on the ears brings this pup closer to the observer.

Clearly a gift of love as a card on the reverse reads “Dinkie Wu”, “To Mummie with Love From Mollie & Ron” and “Miniature by Stanley A. Burchett”, a well-known British watercolorist.

The miniature measures 2 inches (5.2 cm) in length by 1-5/8 inches (4.2 cm) in height. The frame is 4-3/4 inches (12 cm) in length by 4-1/2 inches (10.7 cm) in height. Condition for the miniature is excellent. The frame has a few old nicks in the top edge and a scrape to the inner edge that is very light and not through the lacquer. The black paper backing and hanger are of a later date. Circa 1890 - 1910.