Description
Circa 19th Century “Study of Two Dogs” by Levi Wells Prentice (1815-1935) Oil on Canvas. Levi Wells Prentice is most known for his still lifes and landscapes. His still lifes tend to be more coveted by collectors. The peaches, berries and other fruits have a distinctive realist style that is highly prized. His works have been estimated to range from $100,000 to $5000 USD by various auction houses in the United States.
This portrait of two shaggy dogs is a departure from his usual subject matter. They are seated on a lush red velvet couch striking a pose with lovely bows. Prentice utilizes shadows and bright details to make the dogs pop. It is an exceptional piece of art, perfect for any dog lover.
He was a member of the Brooklyn Art Association and made contributions to the Hudson River School movement. He has been featured in the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston, Adirondack Museum, New York State Museum, and many more. One of his paintings was featured in an episode of the Antique Road Show in 2016 as an example of a still life that increased in value over time. It was not until the 1970s that Prentice achieved notoriety among historians. A prominent art historian, William H. Gerdts, once observed, “There are works by Prentice in which he achieved a quality of illusionism which is unsurpassed.”
