Oil on Canvas Painting of Terriers

Fine Art : Paintings

 

A wonderful 19th century British oil on canvas attributed to George Armfield Smith, the illustrious 19th century English painter specializing in paintings of dogs and horses. The painting features a mischievous pair of terriers growling at a cat who is perched on a barrel. Although we cannot find a signature, it is attributed to Armfield and similar in content and style to some of his comparable pieces.

George Armfield Smith (1808-1893) is considered one of England’s finest animal artists. His ability to portray animals realistically, in a charming setting, created great demand for his work. Armfield came from a family of artists, his father being a portrait painter. Showing talent early on, he had devoted himself to painting by the age of sixteen. He found well heeled patron’s for his work immediately. George Armfield Smith exhibited under his surname Smith at the Royal Academy during the 1830’s. In 1840 he dropped Smith from his name and from then on used the abbreviated version of George Armfield. He was quite a character being an avid sportsman and lover of animals. He was an accomplished rider and had a passion for fox hunting; he also kept a small zoo at his house. Perhaps this explains the remarkable insight and understanding of animals found throughout his prolific body of work. Mr. Armfield’s output was large and he was most successful from 1830 – 1870. Eventually his eyesight began to fail. This was the beginning of a downward spiral for the artist although he continued to paint with the aid of a magnifying glass. He died in Clapham in 1893.

The painting is mounted in a lovely giltwood frame; in very good condition with minor crazing; size of frame 22” H x 26 1/2” W; size of visible art 17” H x 21” W.

Item ID: PS03-10-06-04

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Attributed to George Armfield Smith