Description

Title: Oil Portrait Mary with Cairn Terriers In the Manner of Sir Harrington Mann

Description: Oil Realist Portrait Mary with Cairn Terriers In the Manner of Sir Harrington Mann (1864–1937)

Subject & Medium
A tender and atmospheric portrait of Mary, a young girl accompanied by her two Cairn Terriers. Painted circa 1940, this work reflects the warmth and refinement of early twentieth-century British domestic portraiture. Soft, natural light and a harmonious pastel palette capture the affectionate bond between child and pets with disarming sweetness.
The Cairn Terriers—closely associated with Britain’s royal household during the 1930s–40s—introduce a note of playful companionship, enhancing the nostalgic charm and sentimental grace typical of interwar portraiture.
Executed in oil on canvas, the artist models Mary’s features with delicacy: luminous skin tones, soft curls, and an introspective gaze that feels quietly poetic. The work radiates innocence, tenderness, and emotional depth.

Composition & Technique
The composition centres on Mary’s serene expression. Her soft blue eyes, gentle blush, and slightly parted lips convey an intimate, contemplative mood. She appears thoughtful and composed, offering the viewer a moment of emotional stillness.
Her pose reinforces this subtle storytelling:
� She cradles one terrier protectively in her lap
� The second terrier rests in the foreground, full of personality
� Her posture is upright yet relaxed, radiating poise and quiet confidence
The artist’s use of diffused light, subdued tonal balance, and harmonious colours echoes the Harrington Mann tradition—notably his elegance, compositional restraint, and romantic realism. The terriers’ fur is rendered with lively, expressive brushwork, beautifully contrasting Mary’s softly modelled features.

Unsigned Inscribed verso:
“MARY by C.H.W.”
Indicating the work of a professional or studio-trained British artist active around the 1940s.

Attribution ?️ Although unsigned, the inscription suggests a trained British artist working in the manner of Sir Harrington Mann. The painting demonstrates:
�? Soft, diffused natural light
Pastel harmonies and refined colour transitions
Graceful modelling and balanced composition
� Emotional tenderness and poised realism
These qualities strongly reflect the romantic, refined portraiture characteristic of British art in the interwar era.
About the Artist (In the Manner of Sir Harrington Mann)
Sir Harrington Mann (1864–1937) was a distinguished portraitist whose work combined Glasgow School influences with luminous colour, delicate brushwork, and emotional intimacy. His portraits of children are particularly admired for their grace, warmth, and subtle decorative charm.
This painting echoes Mann’s aesthetic with notable fidelity—soft harmonies, gentle light, and a poised emotional tone.

Frame Dimensions: 68 cm (H) × 58 cm (W) × 2.5 cm (D)
Presented in a classic gilt frame with a decorative inner moulding.
The frame’s warm golden tones enhance the painting’s luminous highlights and pastel palette.
Ready to hang.

Provenance
Private Collection
From a Fine Art Dealer’s Collection, Wales
Curated by
Exhibited “Portraits of Innocence: In the Manner of Harrington Mann — A Study of Childhood and Companionship in Early 20th-Century British Art at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire, Autumn 2025
Credit Line Lent by

Why You’ll Love It �
Emotionally expressive — a tender, introspective portrait full of warmth
Charming subject — beautifully painted child and Cairn Terriers
Refined style — in the manner of Harrington Mann with soft pastel tones
Decorative & elegant — a radiant piece that enhances any interior
Display-ready — attractively framed and immediately enjoyable

Condition Report �
Painting:
Stable, even craquelure consistent with age
Foxing staining in places
Excellent colour retention and soft tonal quality
No signs of overcleaning
Canvas structurally sound overall

Frame:
Good vintage condition with general age wear & some chips losses & minor over painting in places
Presents beautifully and ready to hang
Overall: Acceptable condition with excellent aesthetic presence.

Reserve: $9,180.00

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Condition

Used

Buyer's Premium

20%