Joseph Urbain Melin, Relay of Hunting Dogs at Rest, 19th Century

Joseph Urbain Melin (French, 1811–1886)
Relay of a Pack of Hunting Dogs Near a Tree
Oil on panel

This finely painted oil on panel by Joseph Urbain Melin depicts a relay of hunting dogs momentarily at rest beneath a tree, their alert postures conveying anticipation and discipline characteristic of the chase. Executed with Melin’s hallmark sensitivity to animal anatomy and movement, the composition balances naturalism with narrative restraint.

The dogs—likely hounds associated with French sporting traditions—are rendered with textured brushwork and nuanced coloration, set against a softly articulated landscape that enhances depth without distracting from the figures. Melin, celebrated for his animal and sporting scenes, frequently explored themes of hunting and rural life, earning recognition within the 19th-century French academic tradition.

The painting is presented in a handsome period wood frame with gilt stenciled decoration, complementing the warmth and detail of the panel. A compelling example of 19th-century French animal painting, combining technical skill with quiet narrative charm.

Dimensions:

11.5" L x 1" W x 9.5" H