Edward Armfield Victorian Sporting Oil Painting A Sharp Lookout Terriers

Edward Armfield Victorian Sporting Oil Painting A Sharp Lookout Terriers

Decorative 19th century British country-house painting of three working terriers waiting for their quarry

Highlights

• 19th century British oil on canvas
• By noted animal painter Edward Armfield
• Signed E. Armfield
• Original historic inscription verso
• Entitled *A Sharp Lookout*
• Three working terriers in a barn interior
• Traditional Victorian sporting subject
• Wonderful country-house decorative appeal
• Warm brown, ochre, cream and gold colouring
• Antique decorative gilt frame
• Landscape format
• Acquired at the Annual Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Fine Art Fair
• Researched by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
• Dealer certificate supplied

Introduction

A wonderfully decorative 19th century British oil painting by Edward Armfield depicting three terriers waiting expectantly within a shadowy rustic barn.

Known as *A Sharp Lookout*, the painting has all the ingredients that make Victorian canine pictures so appealing: expressive dogs, a recognisable country setting and an implied story that encourages the viewer to look more closely.

The terriers are shown at the instant before action. Their heads, bodies and eyes respond to something concealed from view, allowing Armfield to create movement and tension without depicting the quarry itself.

Warm browns, ochres and muted golds give the work an attractive mellow appearance, particularly when seen within its antique gilt frame.

Edward Armfield

Edward Armfield specialised in animal painting and became especially associated with pictures of dogs.

Terriers were particularly well suited to his narrative style. Their naturally alert expressions and active working character allowed him to construct scenes that combine animal portraiture with elements of sporting and rural life.

This painting demonstrates that approach particularly well, with three individually observed animals brought together by their shared concentration.

The Scene

The dogs occupy a rustic barn or stable interior, surrounded by straw and the darker architectural elements of the building.

Armfield uses the contrast between the illuminated animals and the subdued background to concentrate the eye upon the terriers.

The unseen quarry gives the picture its title and provides its narrative. We see the dogs watching and waiting, but the outcome is left entirely to the imagination.

Signature & Inscription

Signed “E. Armfield” lower left.

The reverse bears an old handwritten inscription identifying the picture:

“a sharp lookout / by E Armfield”

This historic inscription is retained as part of the physical history of the painting.

Medium

Oil on canvas.

**Dimensions**

Framed size approximately:

51 cm high
61 cm wide
4 cm deep

Landscape orientation.

Condition

The canvas has been relined.

There is historic craquelure, aged varnish and tonal discolouration consistent with the age of the painting. The decorative gilt frame displays age-related wear, marks and losses.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed visual record of condition.

Provenance

Acquired at the Annual Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Fine Art Fair.

Curated and researched by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Worldwide Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The painting will be professionally packed using appropriate protective materials to safeguard the artwork and antique frame during transportation.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

A Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution will accompany the painting and record the principal catalogue information and dealer attribution.

Attribution and Research

The attribution to Edward Armfield is based upon the visible artist signature, historic verso inscription recording the title and artist, stylistic characteristics and comparative research into Armfield’s recognised canine and sporting subjects.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Independent UK fine art dealer and registered Art Market Participant.

Member of the Fine Art Trade Guild.

Bringing History Into Your Home.