L. Stokes

This intimate and finely observed portrait by L. Stokes captures the soulful expression of a King Charles Spaniel, a breed much favored among the British aristocracy and middle classes during the 19th century. Painted in a circular format, the study focuses closely on the dog’s head, emphasizing its lustrous black-and-tan coat, gentle brown eyes, and the soft texture of its white ruff.

The artist conveys both character and sensitivity, rendering the spaniel not merely as an animal subject but as a beloved household companion. Such head studies were especially popular in Victorian Britain, reflecting the period’s deep affection for domestic pets and their role within the family home.

Although little is recorded about L. Stokes, the work aligns with the broader 19th-century tradition of British animal portraiture, standing alongside the output of painters such as Edwin Landseer and George Earl, who elevated animals into subjects of sentiment, dignity, and artistic merit.