At Work: 1905 Painting of a Writer and His Dog in a Chic Salon, Signed J. Barcal

Early 20th Century Oil on Panel, Writer and His Dog
Signed and dated lower right, J. Barcal 1905

This evocative early 20th-century interior scene depicts a solitary writer seated at his desk in a richly appointed room, accompanied by his loyal dog resting at his feet. Painted in oil on panel, the composition is rendered in warm, subdued tones with careful attention to light, texture, and reflection, particularly in the polished floor and softly illuminated architectural details.
Decorative screens, potted plants, and ceramics suggest a refined private interior, lending the scene a quiet narrative intimacy and contemplative mood. The work reflects the tradition of late 19th-century genre painting, in which everyday moments are imbued with psychological depth and atmospheric sensitivity. Housed in a substantial period gilt frame, the painting possesses both charm and strong decorative presence.
Measurements:
17.75" L × 1" W × 20" H