{"product_id":"a-watchful-mother-by-otto-eerelman","title":"A Watchful Mother by Otto Eerelman","description":"Otto Eerelman\u003cbr\u003e 1839-1926 | Dutch \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Watchful Mother\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas\u003cbr\u003e Signed “O. Eerelman” (lower left) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Celebrated across Europe for his lifelike animal portraits, Otto Eerelman achieved immense popularity in the 19th century, and \u003cem\u003eA Watchful Mother\u003c\/em\u003e exemplifies his mastery of the genre. The work presents a noble Saint Bernard with her litter resting on golden straw, rendered with striking precision. Eerelman captures the rich brown and white coat of the protective mother with meticulous attention to texture and light, while her four playful puppies mirror her distinctive markings. From the straw bedding to the weathered wood and wire fencing, every detail contributes to a naturalistic harmony that underscores the tenderness of the scene. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Eerelman mastered the art of capturing not only the dogs’ physical characteristics but also their unique expressions and personalities. His wealthy clientele would bring their pets to his home in The Hague, where they often lived for weeks while having their portraits done, allowing for remarkably true-to-life portrayals. Celebrated for his ability to imbue animals with both elegance and individuality, Eerelman became one of the foremost painters of the 19th-century Dutch school. His works were widely collected across Europe, cementing his legacy as the premier portraitist of beloved animals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hailing from Groningen, Netherlands, Eerelman was dubbed the “Northern Rembrandt” during his lifetime. He received his artistic training at the Academy Minerva in Groningen, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and then private lessons in the studio of the great Lawrence Alma-Tadema. He successfully captured the attention of the Dutch court, particularly Princess Wilhelmina, with his meticulous approach to endearing subjects. His artistic contributions were so great, and his work was so valued in the Netherlands, that he was knighted at the age of 80. Other examples of his dog portraits can be found in the Rijksmuseum, and in 2015, a major retrospective of his work was held at the Museum Nienoord in Leek, Netherlands. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 34 3\/4\" high x 50 3\/4\" wide (88.27 x 128.91 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 44 1\/4\" high x 60\" wide x 3 1\/2\" deep (112.40 x 152.40 x 8.89 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Sold Sotheby's Parke-Bernet, New York, October 19, 1981, Lot 251\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, California\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51803566670146,"sku":null,"price":198500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-1337_1.png?v=1768102893","url":"https:\/\/www.bullvendors19.com\/de\/products\/a-watchful-mother-by-otto-eerelman","provider":"Bull Vendors 19","version":"1.0","type":"link"}