John Emms

Sotheby's, Olympia, 14 September 2006, lot 26, where purchased by the present owner

STRUCTURE This picture is relined which is providing a stable structural support. There are no signs of craquelure and although the picture may be brightened by a light clean it could be hung without requiring any work. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There is a very small area of retouching close to the right edge. There are possibly scattered retouchings to the shadows in the doorway but these may be the artist's original pigments. FRAME Contained in a moulded plaster and gilt frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Playtime is a superb example by one of Britain's greatest painter of animals. John Emms was the son of the Norfolk artist Henry William Emms. When he was a young man Emms moved to London where he gained notoriety for his bohemian behaviour and flamboyant dress; he was an imposing figure in his usual costume of a long black coat and wide brimmed hat. He premiered at the Royal Academy in 1866 and rapidly established a reputation as a painter of animals, particularly canine subjects which he depicted with a wonderful vitality. In 1872 he became a studio assistant for Lord Leighton and helped him to paint the fresco for Lyndhurst Church. In the 1880s he moved permanently to Lyndhurst in Hampshire and lived there for the rest of his life. Emms was a keen sportsman and it was through hunting that he met several aristocratic families who became important patrons for him. He became best-known for his portrayals of fox-hounds many of which were painted in the kennels of the Duchess of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. In Playtime he shows a stoic fox-hound mother with her exuberant puppies gambolling around her. The element of humour is typical of Emms, as is his restraint not to anthropomorphise his canine sitters. Sadly the last years of his life were marred by alcoholism and he would pay-off his extensive bar-bills at the Stag Inn in Lyndhurst with pictures.