Images: www.bonhams.com, Don Presley Auctions (c/o Invaluable).

From The Illustrated London News, 2 May 1908: ‘Mrs. Swynnerton’s “Master and Man” does more than give an excellent likeness of a dachshund and a gentleman – is a terse and forcible essay in paint.’

Also known as ‘A Man’s Best Friend’ and ‘A portrait of a gentleman and his dog.’

• Media: oil on canvas.
• Dimensions: 650 x 900 mm (0.59 m²), Bearn’s; 660 x 910 mm (0.60 m²) unframed, Bonham’s; average 655 x 905 mm (0.59 m²).
• History: signed and dated 1908; exhibited The New Gallery Summer Exhibition, 1908; exhibited Manchester Art Gallery 1923, “Painted at Rome”; auctioned 4 Jul 2006, Bearne’s, Exeter, “A man’s best friend signed and dated 1908 bottom right,” unsold; auctioned Bonhams, 10 Oct 2006, “Signed dated,” sold; Don Presley Auctions, Orange, CA, USA, “Titled “Man’s Best Friend””, 5 Nov 2011, unsold.
• Location: unknown.