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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

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Item Details

Oil Portrait Duchess: Yorkshire Terrier with Congo Pink Bow
Painted in the Style of John Emms
Subject & Medium
Titled “Duchess: Yorkshire Terrier with Congo Pink Bow”, this portrait was painted in 1987 by R. L. Phillips, signed lower right Phillips 87. Executed in oil on board, it depicts Duchess, a finely groomed Yorkshire Terrier, seated with poise and elegance. Her flowing coat falls gracefully, gathered at the crown with a vivid congo pink bow. The smooth board surface enhances tonal clarity, allowing the artist to capture delicate textures and subtle light effects with precision.
Composition & Technique
The portrait is set against a muted sage-grey ground, a restrained choice that recalls the Victorian tradition of animal portraiture, placing the focus entirely on the sitter.
The palette is carefully balanced:
Warm ochres and amber tones enrich the coat.
Deep greys and blacks provide definition and depth.
Silvery highlights emphasize the sheen of the fur.
The bright pink bow introduces a playful yet refined accent.
Phillips combines fine detailing in the fur with softer, flowing brushwork to create volume and presence. Duchess’s luminous eyes and subtle glimpse of tongue suggest vitality and intelligence, making the work both a likeness and a character study.
In the Manner of John Emms
The portrait aligns with the approach of John Emms (1843–1912), a leading Victorian painter of dogs and sporting animals. Like Emms, Phillips emphasized personality and dignity through simplified backgrounds and close attention to expression. In this way, Phillips upheld the tradition of British dog portraiture that remained popular well into the 20th century.
About the Breed
The Yorkshire Terrier became a favorite in Victorian Britain, valued for its striking silky coat and bold temperament. Originally bred as a working terrier, it soon gained status as a fashionable companion in refined households. Duchess embodies this heritage—spirited yet elegant, both lively and dignified.
About the Artist
R. L. Phillips (active 1950s–2000s) began his career painting landscapes before turning to animal subjects. Works such as Cornish Harbour (1959) and Bedfordshire Church (1964) demonstrate his early versatility. Later, he devoted himself to portraits of dogs and domestic animals. Identified locally as Ray Phillips of Bedfordshire, he is remembered as “a very talented artist” whose career extended into the early 2000s. His style shows strong affinities with Landseer and Emms, affirming his place in the British animal painting tradition.
Framed Dimensions
44 cm wide × 55 cm high × 1.5 cm deep
Frame
Presented in a Larson Juhl giltwood frame, fitted with AR70 museum-quality glass. The distressed gold finish complements the warm tones of the subject’s coat, while the glass provides both UV protection and clarity. The professional presentation enhances the work’s elegance and value.
Provenance
Private Collection, London
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why You’ll Love It
Signed, dated, and beautifully preserved — ready for display.
Painted in the tradition of John Emms, combining dignity with character.
A rare late-20th-century continuation of Victorian-style dog portraiture.
Presented in a high-quality Larson Juhl giltwood frame with museum glass.
Perfect for collectors of Yorkshire Terriers and British animal art.
Condition
Excellent overall condition.
Stable paint surface, vibrant colours, minor craquelure consistent with age.
Frame in superb condition with protective museum-grade glass.
Worldwide Shipping
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.


  • Period: 1987
    • Price: £2,000.00
    • €2,289 Euro
    • $2,690 US Dollar
  • Location: London
    • Dimensions: H: 55cm (21.65in)
    • W: 44cm (17.32in)
    • D: 1.5cm (0.59in)