An expected standout is “Hounds and Terrier in Kennel,” an oil on canvas work by British artist John Emms ($150/250,000).
NEW YORK CITY — Bonhams presents Dogs in Show and Field: The Fine Art Sale, the 35th annual auction of dog-themed art on Wednesday, February 17.
Leading the lots is “Hounds and Terrier in Kennel,” an oil on canvas work by British artist John Emms ($150/250,000). Emms, known as a master painter of hounds and terriers, used fluid brushstrokes to highlight distinct physical characteristics of his subjects — bringing their individual temperaments to life in his works.
The auction includes more than 150 lots of paintings, watercolors, prints, sculpture and “Dogiana” (collars and other collectibles). The Dogs in Show and Field sale started in the United Kingdom and moved to the US 17 years ago. Since then, its preview has coincided with the Westminster Kennel Club’s Dog Show, one of the nation’s longest running and premier sporting events.
“We’re lucky to have two significant works by Emms illustrating the popularity of his output — hunting hounds and clumber spaniels. Additionally, the sale is very strong in the works of Arthur Wardle with 12 lots being offered,” said Vice President and Director of Fine Art Alan Fausel.
Other than Victorian master dog paintings, the sale features a strong selection of Continental works, including Dutch artist Henrietta Ronner-Knip and Charles Olivier de Penne, one of France’s most prominent painters of hunting hounds and gun dogs.
Another British artist represented in the sale is Arthur Wardle with “Pen Friends” ($18/25,000).
Other auction highlights include a second paining by Emms, “An Unexpected Visitor — Clumber Spaniels in a Kennel” by Emms ($80/120,000) and “Pen Friends” by British artist Arthur Wardle, RI ($18/25,000). Also on offer are a Victorian sterling silver dog collar inscribed with a tag reading “Help, the Railway Dog of England” ($2,5/3,500).
Preview will be February 13–14, noon to 5 pm, and February 15–16, 10 am to 5 pm. To kick off the auction preview, Bonhams will host Barkfest, an annual charity breakfast to benefit the American Kennel Club (AKC) Humane Fund, on Sunday, February 14, 10 am to noon. Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door, and guests are welcome to bring their canine companions. To reserve a space, call the AKC RSVP line at 212-696 8306.
For more information on the auction, www.bonhams.com or 212- 644-9001.
