British school

A delightful 19th-century British School oil painting depicting two charming kittens perched among a collection of richly detailed leather-bound books.

The painting has an appealing Victorian character, with the kittens carefully rendered against a warm, atmospheric interior setting. The subject combines animal portraiture, books and still-life elements, making this a particularly decorative and unusual antique painting.

The work is signed with a monogram, “N J H E” (or similar), and dated ’97, visible in the lower right area of the painted panel. The date may indicate 1897, although this is offered as an attribution rather than a definitive dating.

Painted in oils on board, the artwork is presented in a highly decorative antique gilt-effect carved frame, featuring scrolling foliage and floral ornamentation.

Dimensions

Overall framed size:

29 × 36 cm

Approx. 11.4 × 14.2 inches

Actual painted panel:

19 × 24 cm

Approx. 7.5 × 9.4 inches

Condition

The painting is offered in antique condition, with expected signs of age. There is surface craquelure, age-related wear and some minor marks consistent with its age. The ornate frame also shows age-related wear, rubbing and losses to the finish, adding to its antique character.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

A wonderfully decorative piece for a traditional English interior, country house, library, study or collectors’ gallery wall.

A very appealing antique animal painting with an especially charming subject.