John Emms

Sale: Sotheby's, Olympia, September 14, 2006, lot 26, illustrated
Acquired at the above sale

Lined. The surface presents well. Under UV: varnish fluoresces green. There is one spot of retouching at lower right near the edge. Possible old inpainting fluoresces under the varnish in the background at upper right. There is brushy fluorescence in the shadows of the doorway at left that may be the artist's hand.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Playtime is a superb example by one of Britain's greatest painters of animals. John 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 humor is typical of Emms, as is his restraint not to anthropomorphize his sitters, instead celebrating each canine's unique character.