Circa 1870, oil on canvas, depicting Pekingnese dogs each perched on top of wooden stands resting on red pillows, artist signed, mounted in gilt frames with oval openings, comes with letter referencing the 1856 Anglo-French War. When the British looted the Imperial Palace in Peking these two Pekingnese dogs were stolen from the Empress and eventually given to Queen Victoria in 1861. It is unclear if these were painted while the Empress was the owner or while the dogs were in the possession of the British intermediaries. Overall very good condition, one has 0.25" tear, 12.5" x 10.5" sight, 9.5" x 7.5" oval opening, 15.25" x 13.25" with frame