This charming mid-17th century Italian oil on canvas captures a rare and intimate moment of a young dog at play, depicted mid-motion with a crimson ball in a naturalistic setting. Painted circa 1650, the work reflects the period's growing appreciation for animal subjects rendered with emotional warmth and lifelike detail.

The composition is modest in scale but rich in character, with soft brushwork and warm tonal contrasts typical of Baroque-era domestic scenes. An exceptional and endearing example of early Italian animal portraiture, it offers both historic charm and collector appeal.

Canvas size: 14.75 in. high x 18.25 in. wide.