Painting Général Symon & Ping Ching Two Chinese Chow Chow Dogs By Zilia Klias

"19th Century Oil Painting Général Symon & Ping-Ching — Two Chinese Chow Chow Dogs By Zilia Klias French School
This exceptional late 19th-century French oil on canvas presents a richly detailed and characterful dual portrait of two superb Chinese Chow Chows. The left dog, Général Symon, and the right dog, Ping-Ching, are depicted with commanding dignity in a half-length frontal pose. Their faces turn fully toward the viewer, each conveying a distinct temperament—calm assurance in Général Symon and alert intelligence in Ping-Ching. Zilia Klias renders the distinctive Chow Chow morphology—the deep, well-set eyes, powerful muzzle, lion-like mane, and dense double coat—with remarkable anatomical precision. The medium is handled expertly: layered, luminous glazes bring depth to the red-brown coats, while controlled highlights around the ruff and muzzle create a soft sheen that evokes the breed’s luxurious fur texture. The aged 19th-century canvas, with its delicate natural patina, contributes warmth and authenticity. This is a substantial, high-impact work with strong decorative and historical appeal.
The composition is consciously symmetrical, a format rarely employed in canine portraiture of the period. Général Symon and Ping-Ching sit shoulder-to-shoulder, their heads forming a unified visual axis reminiscent of aristocratic paired portraiture. Their synchronised gaze creates immediate engagement, while subtle differences in expression ensure individuality. Zilia Klias demonstrates sophisticated command of technique. Short, directional brushstrokes articulate the density of the mane; smoother, tapered strokes convey the outer coat; and finely feathered blending shapes the facial planes with sculptural subtlety. Tonal layering—deep umbers, warm siennas, and soft ochres—creates remarkable depth and volume, especially around the ruff. The background is treated as a warm atmospheric gradient, softly diffused to allow the subjects to emerge almost as though illuminated by natural light. This vignette-like setting heightens their sculptural presence and reflects the refined naturalism characteristic of late 19th-century French School animal portraiture.
The Chow Chow, originating in northern China, is one of the world’s most ancient and distinctive breeds. Known for its dense double coat, leonine mane, upright triangular ears, and iconic blue-black tongue, it has long been associated with Chinese nobility. Historical references appear in the writings of early travellers, including Marco Polo. Renowned for their intelligence, independence, and dignified temperament, Chow Chows gained admirers across Europe, including Sigmund Freud. Authentic 19th-century painted depictions of the breed remain scarce and highly sought after.
Working within the French School tradition, Zilia Klias shows her refined and expressive animal portraiture. Her work displays meticulous anatomical understanding, attentive modelling of fur, and a nuanced tonal palette. In this dual portrait she captures not only the physiognomy, but also the dignified personality of both Général Symon and Ping-Ching. Collectors of 19th-century European animal paintings value her compositions for their warmth, precision, and composed naturalism.
Signed “Zilia Klias” at the lower right, consistent with the artist’s period signature.
Presented in its original traditional oak frame, the artwork retains the aesthetic and historical authenticity of its era. The warm tonal quality of the wood complements the rich colouring of the dogs’ coats.
Dimensions Framed: Height: 65 cm, Width: 70 cm, Depth: 2 cm
Provenance: The painting originates from France and remained by descent within the Lebreton family for several generations. A handwritten inscription on the reverse records this lineage and expresses the family’s wishes: 'PAINTING In the family since the great-grandfather Gaston Lebreton Not to be sold except in case of great need for money DAD For Franck Lebreton.' This heartfelt verso inscription provides a clear and emotive record of custodianship. After leaving the Lebreton family, the painting passed to a fine art dealer in Petworth, a town renowned for its historic art trade, and was later curated and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, completing a well-documented and professionally traceable provenance.
Condition Report: Offered in fine used condition. The front painting surface shows various areas of craquelure, paint loss, historic paint touch-ups, and scattered foxing. There is also a small dimple to the canvas near the left dog’s temple area. The original oak frame displays general wear, dust, scuffs, and small chips commensurate with age and long-term use.
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Condition report:

An item that has been previously used.