John Emms (1844-1912) - Setters and Game

A fine, richly coloured and characterful study of ‘Setters with Game’ by the celebrated animalier John Emms (1844-1912)

Born in Norfolk, Emms was the son of the amateur artist Henry William Emms. His works are mainly in oils, and they as with the work we offer here, they show a confident hand, exhibiting bold brush strokes, generous layers of paint and a great understanding of the physical elements of his subjects.

Emms began his career in London as studio assistant to Frederic, Lord Leighton, helping Leighton paint the fresco of The Ten Virgins at Lyndhurst Parish Church in Hampshire, and later moved to Lyndhurst himself. He was drawn to the New Forest as he was a keen huntsman.

From 1866 onwards, Emms was a frequent exhibitor at the Royal Academy where his main subjects were foxhounds, terriers and horses, and his work displays considerable precision and talent. He was admired for the vitality of his animals and was in demand across the country as an animal portraitist. In 1881 Emms built a large house and studio at Lyndhurst, where he remained for the rest of his life.


Provenance: With Frost and Reed London. Stock number E13 verso.

Canvas: 23.25” x 17.25" / 59cm x 44cm. Framed: 28.75" x 22.75" / 73cm x 58cm.