Water Spaniel | Eilert Mehl (1865 – 1941)

Water Spaniel | Paintings

A finely rendered depiction from the early twentieth century, this evocative painting captures the tranquil spirit of a water spaniel traversing shallow seawater beneath a cloud-laden Nordic sky. Painted in the style characteristic of the Scandinavian naturalists, this work exemplifies Eilert Mehl’s keen eye for light and atmosphere.

Origin: Norway (signed by Eilert Mehl; trade label: Christiania Guldlistefabrik & Høvleri, Oslo)
Date: Circa 1925
Material: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: Approx. 140 cm wide (framed)
Condition: Presented in very good condition, with original trade label to frame reverse

The early twentieth-century Norwegian school balanced fidelity to nature with a sensitive approach to mood and narrative, as seen in museum collections throughout Scandinavia. Comparable to works found in Oslo’s National Museum, this water spaniel painting is noteworthy for its serene palette and immersive, horizon-stretching composition—a hallmark of Mehl and his contemporaries.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite treatment of the water’s translucency and the dog’s textured coat, showcasing deft brushwork
• Subtle interplay of reflection and distance, heightening the sense of calm typical in Scandinavian landscape art
• Trade label from Christiania Guldlistefabrik & Høvleri—renowned Oslo carvers and gilders—lends further distinction to this frame’s provenance.
• Desirable scale at 140 cm width, making this a striking focal point in any art collection or interior

The painting’s meticulous attention to canine form, combined with a luminous rendering of the sea and sky, makes it not only a fine example of Norwegian animal painting but also an ideal investment for collectors seeking paintings that marry artistic merit with originality. Whether displayed in a traditional or contemporary setting, this work would enrich any refined décor or form a significant highlight within a collection devoted to period paintings.