Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

Dual Portrait of Général Symon and Ping-Ching — 19th-Century French School Oil Painting by Zilia Klias
Subject & Medium
This late 19th-century French oil on canvas is an exceptional dual portrait of two distinguished Chinese Chow Chows: Général Symon (left) and Ping-Ching (right). Both are presented in a half-length frontal pose, their faces turned squarely toward the viewer. The artist captures two distinct temperaments—Général Symon’s composed self-assurance and Ping-Ching’s alert, intelligent focus.
Zilia Klias demonstrates acute anatomical literacy: the deep-set eyes, powerful muzzle, leonine mane, and dense double coat are rendered with accuracy and tonal nuance. Layered glazes impart luminosity to the red-brown coats, and controlled highlights around the ruff and muzzle convey the tactile richness of the breed’s characteristic fur. The natural patina of the 19th-century canvas introduces warmth and authenticity, enhancing the work’s decorative and historical presence.
Composition & Technique
The composition employs a rare symmetrical format for canine portraiture of the period. The two dogs sit shoulder-to-shoulder, their aligned heads forming a unified vertical axis evocative of aristocratic paired portraiture. Their synchronised gaze produces direct visual engagement, while the differentiation in expression preserves individual identity.
Klias applies a sophisticated range of brushwork: short, directional strokes articulate the density of the mane smoother, tapered strokes define the outer coat and finely blended transitions construct the facial planes with sculptural subtlety. A palette anchored in umbers, siennas, and ochres generates notable depth, particularly around the ruff.
The background is handled as a warm atmospheric gradient, gently diffused to allow the subjects to emerge as if illuminated by natural light—an approach aligned with refined late 19th-century French School naturalism.
About the Chow Chow Breed
Originating in northern China, the Chow Chow is one of the world’s most ancient and visually distinctive breeds. Its dense double coat, upright triangular ears, prominent mane, and blue-black tongue have long been associated with Chinese nobility. The breed is referenced by early travellers, including Marco Polo, and is known for intelligence, independence, and dignified composure. Authentic 19th-century painted representations of the breed are comparatively scarce and highly collectible.
The Artist — Zilia Klias (French School)
Zilia Klias worked within the French School tradition with particular sensitivity to animal portraiture. Her paintings reveal a strong command of anatomy, attentive modelling of fur, and a controlled, expressive tonal range. In this dual portrait she achieves both physiognomic accuracy and a compelling sense of the dogs’ dignified character. Collectors value her work for its balanced naturalism, warmth, and compositional clarity.
Signature
Signed “Zilia Klias” at the lower right, consistent with her known period signature.
Framing
Presented in its original traditional oak frame, which complements the painting’s warm palette and preserves its historical authenticity.

Provenance
Originating in France, the painting remained within the Lebreton family for several generations. A handwritten inscription on the reverse records its lineage and stipulates that it was not to be sold except in circumstances of financial necessity.
French inscription:
TABLEAU
Dans la famille depuis l’arrière-grand-père Gaston Lebreton
À ne vendre qu’en cas de gros besoin d’argent
PAPA
Pour Franck Lebreton
English translation:
PAINTING
In the family since the great-grandfather Gaston Lebreton
Not to be sold except in case of great need for money
DAD
For Franck Lebreton
After leaving the Lebreton family, the work entered the stock of a fine art dealer in Petworth—an English town well known for its art-trade history—and was later catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. The provenance is coherent, traceable, and professionally documented.
Why It Stands Out
Rare and visually commanding dual portrait of the Chow Chow breed
Exemplary French School technique with depth, accuracy, and character
Warm tonal palette that functions as an immediate decorative focal point
Highly appealing to collectors of canine portraiture and culturally significant breed studies
Strong historical and emotional provenance

Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured.

We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.

Registered Office Address

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775


Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.