Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot

Very rare carved and painted wood talbot, a now extinct breed of dog often found in heraldic devices in both England and Ireland, this example in original painted surface and possessing great whimsical charm, Ireland circa 1720. Talbots were rumored to have accompanied the Norman invasion in 1066, although no French references from that time are known. The breed became extinct in the late 18th Century and have taken on mythological proportions since then. Beagles are thought to be a descendant of the talbot This charming fellow is unusual although not unique in being depicted with spots, pure white being more common.