Two great things about the wonderful Bulldogs of the Twentieth Century: the subjects and the provenance. First, this is not just a group of Bulldogs. Each one is a champion with his or her name and title listed in Christie’s lot notes. It’s the equivalent of a painting of seven Cy Young Award winners – or maybe a champion rugby team.
Second, this work is from the collection of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, heiress to the Standard Oil fortune, and one of the most prominent figures in the pure-bred dog world of the early 20th century. Her accomplishments include raising 85 different dog breeds, being the first woman to judge “Best in Show” at the Westminster Dog Show, establishing the lavish Morris and Essex Dog Show, and founding the St. Giralda animal shelter which became a model of its kind.
Geraldine R. Dodge (above with Rin Tin Tin) was truly a patron saint of dogs and this Wardle painting, one from her collection of over 6,000 dog-themed works, would be an absolute treasure to own. It’s estimated sale price is between $100,000 – $150,000.
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