Sold for $15,000

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Lot Description

John Emms

(British, 1843–1912)

In the Kennels

, 1881

oil on canvas

signed J. Emms and dated (lower right)

7 3/4 x 6 1/4 inches.

This lot is located in Chicago.

Property from the Collection of Frances G. Scaife

Provenance:
David Messum Fine Art, Beaconsfield, United Kingdom (label verso)

In the Kennels and Waiting for Master are two intimate examples by John Emms that insert human narrative into animal painting. In the Kennels was possibly a study for a larger painting that Emms completed in 1887 and which sold at Christie’s on October 11, 2011.

The artist’s compositions were prized by critics in the 1880s, one writing in The Art Journal that his work was “interesting evidence that animal painting is attracting the attention of younger artists” (“The Exhibition of the Royal Academy,” The Art Journal, vol. 45, 1883, p. 220). Another critic remarked in The Artist on seeing in Emms’ paintings that “masterly work of its kind is rarely seen” (“Bournemouth Art Exhibition”, The Artist, vol. VI, 1 April 1885, p. 104). This can surely be seen in the quality of Emms’ quick brushstrokes that succinctly capture the dog’s anatomy, inner minds, and the evidence of their absent owners.

Condition Report

Framed: 15 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches.
Minor deposits of surface dirt and dust; canvas is wax-lined; localized areas of stable craquelures within window in upper right corner and smallest dog's face. Under UV light, inpainting is visible in the edges of the window; the dark area to the right of the right-most dog; strokes are also visible along the upper left edge and along the lower right edge. Additional images available upon request.

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