- 105
John Emms
Description
- John Emms
- The Kennel Club: Saladin, Witchcraft, Champion, Stately, Ladye, Dusty; Old Faithfuls: Sally, Graff..., Gorgius, Rockwood, Bell... (Two Works)
- the first: signed JNO EMMS and dated 80 (lower right); each inscribed with dogs' names on labels affixed on reverse or on stretcher; the second: signed J. EMMS and dated 80 (lower left)
oil on canvas
- diameter: 38 3/8 in.
- 97.5 cm
Provenance
Thence by descent (the above's granddaughter and sold: Sotheby's South, Billinghurst, July 21, 1999, lots 840 and 839, illustrated, the first as cover)
Richard Green, London
Acquired from the above by the present owner in December 1999
Condition
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."
Catalogue Note
John Emms became a keen hunter and sportsman and, as a consequence, many of his commissions for dog portraits came from wealthy landowners. The resulting income was spent on sustaining his bohemian lifestyle, distinguishing himself by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a long, flowing coat. Such excess left Emms in debt and he soon became reliant on friends and patrons, often painting pictures in exchange for food and lodging. Such was the case with the present pair of works which were given to Ernest Harris, the publican of Stag Hotel, Lyndhurst, Hampshire to settle an outstanding bar bill. Harris ultimately amassed more than 150 early paintings by Emms, many of which were passed through his family with the present pair offered at auction in the late 1990s. The original commissioner of the portraits has yet to be determined, but the charming names of the foxhounds, hunt terriers, and otterhounds have been well preserved on labels affixed to the reverse (with some crossed out and corrected suggesting one person owned all eleven canines). Set within ornate frames, the round format of the present works follows historic portrait compositions of elegantly dressed figures set in well-appointed rooms; Emms takes similar care in recording the distinct, individual personalities of these dogs at rest in the kennel or out birding in the marsh.