Oil on canvas, signed at lower left "R. L. Johnston," presented in a later frame.

SS 29.5 x 19.5 in.; DOA 36.25 x 26 in.

Born in Alexandria, VA, Johnston enjoyed success in both New York City and Washington, D.C. He was primarily known for his work influenced by the great French les animaliers artists like Rosa Bonheur. This trompe l'oeil hunting trophy featuring a male and female readhead is an interesting variant to his more commonly found work featuring animals in a landscape.

Primarily self-taught, it is known that Johnston studied under the artist Adalbert Volck in Baltimore briefly and later spent some time studying overseas in France and beyond. Johnston was a member of the Society of Washington Artists and participated in exhibitions at the Corcoran Gallery, the National Academy of Design, and the Royal Academy of London.

The canvas retains the stencil from William Minifie & Son, a book and stationary store with artists' supplies, of Baltimore, MD. The address noted in this stencil, No. 3 North Charles Street, allows the canvas to be dated to 1868-1880.

$1,000 - 3,000