Specialist's Picks: Sporting Art, Wildlife and Dogs

This year’s sale has been a particularly joy to curate. From all of the works we have coming up for sale next week, I have selected a few of my personal favourites!

Lot 17 - George Earl (1824-1908) 'CRIB', A DALMATIAN est. £2,000-3,000

We have a lovely collection of dog paintings, including five portraits by George Earl. Earl was well known for his paintings of pedigree dogs that were champions in their day and well documented by The Kennel Club. For example, our font cover lot ‘Crib’, lot 117, a dalmatian listed in the 1874 edition of the Kennel Club Stud Book. Not only is it a stunning portrait, but it is beautifully painted and a spectacular example of the breed.

Lot 43 - John Ferneley Sr (1782-1860) PORTRAIT OF SIR FRANCIS GRANT ON GRINDAL est. £30,000-50,000

We are lucky enough to have a wonderful picture by the equestrian artist John Ferneley Snr, lot 43, depicting his close friend and fellow artist Sir Francis Grant on horseback. The pair were good friends and both keen riders. The present picture shows Grant in hunting dress and the face is believed to have been painted by Grant himself. It was a gift to him by Ferneley and has arrived with us for sale through the artist’s family. Sporting pictures of this kind very rarely come to market so we feel exceptionally privileged to include it for sale.

Lot 185 - Herbert Thomas Dicksee RE (1862-1942) PROWLING MALE LION CROUCHING ON A GENTLY ANGLED ROCK est. £800-1,200

Other personal highlights include works by the artist Herbert Thomas Dicksee (lots 153 – 185). From a striking oil painting of a lion to a selection of his etchings and a magnificent bronze. The bronze, in particular, would make for an attractive focal point on my mantlepiece at home.

Our Sporting Art, Wildlife and Dogs Auction takes place on Tuesday 30 April 2019. To find out more about the forthcoming sale, or to discuss potential consignments, please get in touch:

janeoakley@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778