Thierry Poncelet (Belgian, b. 1946) anthropomorphic portrait of a Dalmatian dog, possibly circa 1990. Originally mid-19th century or earlier oil on canvas depicting a senior military officer. In typical Poncelet fashion, the portrait face replaced by a dog's head. In a gilt wood frame. Thierry Poncelet was born in 1946 in Brussels, and studied Fine Arts at the St. Luc Academy. Thereafter he joined Max Massot's workshop to learn the art of painting in a traditional way and restoring fine paintings. After establishing himself as a renowned restorer he also began to deal fine arts. As he began to deal with fine arts and restoring, he was inspired to develop a style to replace the head of a portrait he was working on, by his own dog's. The result was striking, and only wanted to keep it as a sarcastic painting of his own token. However, the enthusiasm of friends and colleagues for this strange restoration was immediate and since then many other Aristochiens were born from forgotten family portraits. 
Weight:approx. 5 lbs 
Measurements: Approx. Canvas: 23.75 inches x 19.25 inches / Frame: 27.25 inches x 23.5 inches 
Condition: As abundantly found in Poncelet works, there are several areas of restoration to the background and to elements predating Poncelet's work. More subtle of areas craquelure under the dogs face, the subtle crazing to some areas of the dog would suggest this to be an older Poncelet work. One area to top of background with more severe craquelure, please refer to photos. Canvas has been relined, presumably by Poncelet. Retains original stretcher, a more contemporary frame.