NEW YORK, NY.- Bonhams presents the Dogs in Show and Field: The Fine Art Sale, the 35th annual auction of dog-themed art on Wednesday, Feb. 17 in New York.
Leading the lots is Hounds and Terrier in Kennel, an oil on canvas work by British artist John Emms (1843-1912) estimated at U.S. $150,000-250,000. Emms, known as a master painter of Hounds and Terriers, used fluid brushstrokes to highlight distinct physical characteristics of his subjects – bringing their individual temperaments to life in his works.
The auction includes more than 150 lots of paintings, watercolors, prints, sculpture and “Dogiana” (collars and other collectibles). The Dogs in Show and Field sale started in the United Kingdom and moved to the U.S. 17 years ago. Since then, its preview has coincided with the Westminster Kennel Club’s Dog Show, one of the nation’s longest running and premier sporting events.
“We’re lucky to have two significant works by Emms illustrating the popularity of his output – hunting hounds and clumber spaniels. Additionally, the sale is very strong in the works of Arthur Wardle with 12 lots being offered,” said Vice President and Director of Fine Art Alan Fausel.
Other than Victorian master dog paintings, the sale features a strong selection of continental works, including Dutch artist Henrietta Ronner-Knip and Charles Olivier de Penne, one of France’s most prominent painters of hunting hounds and gun dogs.
Other auction highlights include:
An Unexpected Visitor – Clumber Spaniels in a Kennel
John Emms (British, 1843-1912), estimate U.S. $80,000-120,000
Signed by the artist, this oil painting may have been a commission for the Duke and Duchess of Newcastle made while Emms worked at Clumber Park. This work is one of the finest to have come to the market in recent years.
Arthur Wardle, RI (British, 1864- 1949), estimate U.S. $18,000-25,000
This work by Wardle is most likely a society portrait of two English Toy Spaniels. The artist is known for his paintings of pure bred dogs in England in the 19th century, as well as portrayals of big game and wildlife. He never received any formal art academy training, but had his first exhibition at the Royal Academy when he was 16 years old.
A Victorian Sterling Silver Dog Collar: Help, the Railway Dog of England
London, 1883, estimate U.S. $2,500-3,500
The collar comes with a tag inscribed: “I Am Help. The Railway Dog of England and Travelling Agent for the Orphans, of Railway Men Who are Killed on Duty…” Help was a Scotch Collie trained and handled by passenger guard John Climpson on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway. Equipped with a collecting box, Help travelled extensively throughout Britain and France to raise money for the Orphans Fund. His appearances at railwaymen’s congresses, fundraisers and dog shows made him a celebrity and his success launched a legion of charity collecting dogs.
BARKFEST’S “FOR THE LOVE OF THE DOG” EVENT ON VALENTINE’S DAY
To kick off the auction preview, Bonhams will host Barkfest, an annual charity breakfast to benefit the American Kennel Club (AKC) Humane Fund, on Sunday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The AKC Humane Fund provides grants to pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and breed rescue organizations. Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door, and guests are welcome to bring their canine companions. Kindly call the AKC RSVP line +1 (212) 696 8306 to reserve a space.
