Late 19th Century Oil Painting – Newfoundland Rescue Scene

Late 19th Century Oil Painting – Newfoundland Rescue Scene Signed “W. M. Sumner” Circa 1880 original oil Image Size: 14”x21” This touching late 19th century original oil painting depicts one of the most iconic and romanticized subjects associated with the Newfoundland dog breed — the noble water rescue dog standing watch over a child along a rugged shoreline. The black-and-white Newfoundland, rendered in the classic “Landseer” coloration, appears alert and protective against a dramatic coastal backdrop of crashing waves and distant ships. The composition reflects the Victorian era fascination with the Newfoundland as a heroic lifesaving companion, a theme popularized in 19th century animal painting by artists such as Sir Edwin Landseer. Paintings of Newfoundlands rescuing or guarding children became especially popular during this period, celebrating the breed’s well-known reputation for loyalty, gentleness, and maritime rescue work. Signed lower left “W M Sumner,” the work is executed in oil on canvas and housed in what appears to be an older carved wood frame. The painting features strong narrative qualities, soft atmospheric handling of the sky and sea, and charming period details including the child’s clothing, straw hat, and rocky shoreline scattered with shells. Description of Frame: 1950-1960 2” hand finished wood with gold interior Pre-Restoration Condition -Painting The painting exhibited age-related craquelure throughout the surface. A discolored natural resin varnish was present, contributing to overall yellowing and reduced clarity. Minor areas of paint loss were observed in the sky, foreground, and the dog’s ear. Pre-Restoration Condition -Frame The frame displayed minor surface wear consistent with age and retained an intentional patina. Structurally, the frame remained stable and sound, no restoration required. Treatment Performed -Painting The painting was relined to unprimed Belgian linen utilizing an archival wax relining process performed on a vacuum relining table. The original stretcher bars were determined to be structurally sound and were retained for continued use. The painting was secured to the original stretcher using staples; original nails were preserved and included for historical authenticity. A varnish removal cleaning was performed to reduce the discolored organic varnish and improve overall tonal clarity and surface visibility. Areas of paint loss were filled using a conservation-grade gesso fill material and were inpainted. Following treatment, a UV-stabilized satin conservation varnish was applied to provide surface protection and aesthetic saturation. The painting was refitted into the original frame using archival mounting materials and fitted with appropriate hanging hardware and wire. *All Work done at Cape Cod Picture Framing & Restoration is guaranteed to be fine quality and museum ready to the standards of the American Institute of Conservation