George Armfield (English, 1810-1893), Four Terriers Ratting

Oil on canvas, signed "Armfield" at lower right, presented in a period gilt frame with brass gallery plaque.

Stretcher size 20 x 20 in.; Frame dimensions 27 1/2 x 27 1/2 in.

Tresor Art Gallery, Belgium
Acquired from the above

George Armfield was a Victorian painter best known for domestic animal subjects, particularly lively depictions of terriers and other dogs in rustic interiors and sporting settings. He was born in Bristol, England and was originally apprenticed at the age of fourteen to a London trading firm. Disliking commercial work, he turned to painting with encouragement from a member of the firm who supplied him with materials and basic instruction. He also received guidance from his father, the portrait painter William Armfield Hobday.

Armfield first exhibited in 1839 at the British Institution and began showing at the Royal Academy in 1840, continuing to exhibit regularly at the Royal Academy, the British Institution, and the Society of British Artists for roughly three decades. His best period extended from about 1840 to 1869, during which he produced a large number of small, highly finished compositions. A skilled colorist, he often painted tightly rendered scenes of dogs confronting rats, rabbits, or game, works that were popular with Victorian collectors. Later in life his eyesight deteriorated, though he continued working on a smaller scale up until his death in 1893.

Several patches to verso with associated retouch visible under UV light; stretcher marks; surface grime; minor stable craquelure; some verdigris to brass gallery plaque.