Foxhounds and Terrier / painting by John Emms
A major exhibit and sale of paintings by John Emms (1843–1912) will be mounted by the William Secord Gallery in New York City from February 8 to March 15, 2014. This will be the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of Emms’ work and is timed to coincide with this year’s Westminster Dog Show. More than fifty paintings of foxhounds, terriers, spaniels, and other sporting breeds are included. Foxhunters visiting New York during the MFHA Annual Meeting week are invited to visit the Gallery for a preview of the entire exhibit.
Born the son of an amateur artist in Norfolk, England, the young Emms moved to London where he apprenticed with the great academic painter, Lord Frederick Leighton. Emms soon went on his own, painting images that capture the beauty of English country life. An avid foxhunter, Emms maintained studios in London and in the New Forest area of England.
New Forest Foxhounds by John Emms
One of Emms’ well-known works, “The New Forest Foxhounds,” sold at auction in 2006 for $843,250. Hunting in the New Forest harks back to 1089 when William the Conqueror established it as a Royal Hunting Forest. Foxhunting was first recorded there in 1675, and the New Forest Hunt was established in 1781.
Gone to Ground by John EmmsEmms’ paintings are characterized by bold brush strokes which capture the essence of his subjects. His work quickly gained a following among the sporting gentry of the day. One of his terrier paintings hangs in the National Gallery of Scotland.
The William Secord Gallery exhibition is drawn largely from two important private collections and includes portraits of foxhounds at rest and in the field. Also included are paintings of horses and various terrier breeds, including Jack Russells. All paintings are available for purchase. Click to view the entire exhibition.
Posted January 21, 2014