John Emms 1843-1912

BEFORE THE HUNT STRUCTURE Original canvas and the structure is sound. CATALOGUE ILLUSTRATION The catalogue illustration is broadly representative. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is dirty and will benefit from a light clean, there is also some discolouration to the varnish. Areas of craquelure consistent with a painting of this age to the chair upper left and the lower right corner. ULTRAVIOLET reveals no sign of retouching or restoration, however the original varnish prevents an acurate reading. FRAME Held in the original slip frame in fair condition. AFTER THE HUNT STRUCTURE Original canvas and the structure is sound. CATALOGUE ILLUSTRATION The catalogue illustration is broadly representative. PAINT SURFACE The canvas is slightly loose and would benfit from restretching. There is extensive craquelure consistent with a painting of this age, also the varnish has discoloured. ULTRAVIOLET reveals no sign of retouching or restoration, however the original varnish prevents an acurate reading. FRAME Held in the original slip frame in fair condition.
"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."

This accomplished pair of paintings, with characteristicly broad and expressive brushstrokes, attests to the status of Emms as one of the finest painters of foxhounds.

John Emms exhibited his first picture at the Royal Academy in 1866, but it was not until 1872 when he assisted Lord Leighton in the painting of the Ten Virgins fresco at Lyndurst parish church that he was exposed to the hunting fraternity that was to shape the course of his future career.  At the Royal Academy in 1875 Emms exhibited Foxhound Whelps (no.87) and thereafter most of his Royal Academy exhibits were of foxhunting subjects. 

Emms became a keen hunter and sportsman and, as a consequence, many of his commissions came from wealthy landowning patrons.  The resulting income was spent on sustaining his bohemian life in which he was distinguished by a broad-brimmed hat and a long flowing coat.  His excesses left Emms in debt and he was soon reliant on friends and patrons, often painting pictures in exchange for food and lodging.