NEW YORK, NY.- At Bonhams’ annual Dogs in Show & Field auction, renowned animal painter, John Emms (1843 – 1912), emerged as the most coveted artist of the afternoon.

Bidders from across the world took part in the auction vying enthusiastically to take home works that are considered the best examples of dog portraiture and canine genre scenes in the market. Many people braved the cold to attend the sale in New York, leading to strong bidding in the room as well as on the phones and the ever growing number of internet bidders.

John Emms’ oil painting of three Hounds and a Terrier, Waiting for Master, raced past its high estimate, eventually realizing $68,750. Emms, the acknowledged master painter of Foxhounds, is often referred to as the Guardi of dog painting for his commanding use of the brush and painterly style. Well observed and faithfully recorded hounds are brought to life by his quick, confident and vigorous brushstrokes. Impressive prices were achieved by other notable paintings by Emms, like Gone to Ground, which sold for $37,500; After the Hunt, which fetched $37,500; and A Bitch by her Kennel that doubled its high estimate to achieve $25,000.

Other top lots that fared extremely well, which include:

· King Charles Spaniels, a regal portrait by another prominent painter, Richard Ansdell (1815 – 1885), that sold for $81,250;

· A painting of two setters in a verdant landscape, Gordon and English Setters in the Field by Percival Leonard Rosseau (1859 – 1937), that soared past the high estimate to realize $47,500;

· English Pointers in a Landscape by Thomas Blinks (1860 – 1912), which achieved $43,750; and

· I Wish I Had A Polka Dot Bikini by George Rodrigue (1944 – 2013), the most contemporary work in the sale, which fetched $37,500.

Alan Fausel, Director of Fine Arts and Museum Services at Bonhams said, “We were pleased with the strong interest in in the works by John Emms, particularly the Foxhounds and terriers of the hunt. It demonstrates that our recent highlight exhibition in the Washington DC area was effective in uncovering new buyers. The strong prices for both traditional and contemporary works prove the enduring appeal of the dog, and increasing international interest ensures that this auction grows in strength.”

The next Dogs in Show & Field auction will take place in February, 2016.