It was standing room only as Bonhams New York conducted the firm’s 24th annual Dog Sale on Valentine’s Day, February 14. The combined results set an international sales record for a dog art auction, with total sales reaching more than $1.7 million. International auction records were also established for several artists.

The highlight of record sales was an outstanding work entitled “New Forest Hounds” by British artist John Emms (1843-1912). The painting, featuring 13 hounds and one terrier, was accompanied by the original key with names and birth dates of each dog; the oil on canvas sold for $843,250 to an American private collector. The work descended in the family of Henry Martin Powell, JP, Master of the New Forest Foxhounds of Wilverley Park, Lyndhurst, Hants, who commissioned the work from the artist.

The popularity of Emms’ work was seen in several other paintings offered in the auction as well, including “Eight Dandie Dinmonts,” which far exceeded its presale estimate of $40/60,000, realizing $150,250. A record was also established for works by the artist James Yates Carrington (British, d 1892). His painting “The Orphans,” an endearing scene of a forlorn bulldog and terrier behind bars, eclipsed the artist’s 1995 auction record selling for $47,800 ($10/15,000). Edwin Frederick Holt’s portraits of 12 identified dogs, some of the earliest known portraits of show winners, made $47,800.

“The Orphans” by the British artist James Yates Carrington, estimated at $10/15,000, sold for $47,800.

There was spirited bidding in the salesroom as well as fromnumerous clients from the United Kingdom, Belgium and South Africabidding by telephone; 90 percent of the successful buyers were fromall corners of the United States. Two paintings were purchased forthe American Kennel Club collection.

The sale was a truly collaborative international effort, with specialists in London, New York and Los Angeles contributing expertise. The group of paintings specialists was headed by well-known authority Charlie O’Brien of Bonhams, London, who commented, “I am delighted with the continuing strength of this niche market.”

The auction was preceded by “Barkfest,” a charity Sunday brunch and private viewing held at Bonhams New York for dogs and their owners, proceeds benefiting DOGNY. Despite blizzardlike conditions, both dogs and owners braved the weather, and a good time was had by all.

For a full listing of upcoming sales, and more information, www.bonhams.com.