Victoria Simmons Borzoi Portrait, Oil on Board, Signed with Artist's Cipher View Watchlist >
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Lot # F369
System ID # 29073233
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Victoria Simmons Borzoi Portrait, Oil on Board, Signed with Artist's Cipher
A small but arresting profile portrait of a Borzoi — the Russian wolfhound prized in the courts of the Romanovs — rendered in oil on board by animal portraitist Victoria Simmons. The dog's russet head and feathered white ruff are caught in alert profile against a softly graded grey ground, mouth open as if mid-pant after a run. Simmons's brushwork is confident and economical, with the white chest worked in directional strokes that suggest the breed's signature silky coat. Signed at lower right with the artist's distinctive cipher monogram in black.
The painting is set within a deeply dimensional period-style frame of layered gilt composition: an outer band of acanthus scrollwork, a pebbled middle register, and an inner course of beaded ornament in copper-gilt finish. A handwritten dealer statement dated 4-20-2007 affixed to the verso documents acquisition from a dealer, identifying the work as a "Victoria Simmons Oil" with reference number CH0140. Simmons built her practice painting horses, hounds, dogs, cats, birds, and wildlife for private patrons, specializing in commissioned animal portraits; her sighthound work in particular holds strong appeal among breed-specific collectors.
Provenance
- Acquired from a dealer, 4-20-2007 (handwritten statement #255156 affixed verso, ref. CH0140)
- Private New Mexico collection
Authenticity
Signed at lower right with the artist's cipher monogram. Attribution to Victoria Simmons is supported by the dealer statement on verso identifying the work by name. Buyers seeking formal authentication should consult a specialist.
CONDITION
Good with overall craquelure across the painted surface, most pronounced in the grey background and consistent with an aged oil ground. The image remains stable and the signature reads clearly. Frame shows scattered rubs and minor losses to the gilt composition at corners and high points commensurate with age. No glazing.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall (framed): 10 3/8" H × 12 1/4" W × 1 3/8" D
- Visible image: 4 1/2" H × 6 1/2" W
- Medium: Oil on board
- Signature: Artist's cipher monogram, lower right
- Frame: Wood and gilt composition (plaster), no glass
- Subject: Borzoi (Russian wolfhound), head in profile
