Maud Earl (British-American, 1864-1943), Seabreeze

Oil on board, signed at lower right, presented in a gilt frame with gallery plaque.

Board 20 x 26 in.; Frame dimensions 24 x 30 in.

Maud Earl was a British-American sporting artist known for her detailed and lifelike paintings of dogs. Born in 1864, she came from a family of artists and quickly gained recognition for her ability to capture the character and anatomy of various dog breeds. Her work was popular among dog breeders and enthusiasts, including Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, and she exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy in London. Earl moved to the United States in 1916 and maintained a studio in New York City until her death.

William Arkwright was an English sportsman and dog breeder in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his careful work with Pointers. He wrote The Pointer and His Predecessors (1902), a well-respected book on the breed’s history and development and which included illustrations by Maud Earl. One of his most notable dogs was Seabreeze, a Pointer that stood out for its strong hunting ability and good build. Seabreeze played an important role in shaping the breed and reflected Arkwright’s focus on both performance and pedigree. His work continues to have an impact on Pointer breeding today.

Over-cleaned to background; areas of retouch surrounding, but not affecting, the signature are visible under UV light.