Edward Armfield Signed 19th Century British Terrier Dogs Ratting Oil Painting

Edward Armfield A Sharp Lookout 19th Century British Terrier Dogs Ratting Oil Painting Fine signed Victorian sporting and animal painting of three terriers alert to hidden quarry in a barn Highlights • Fine 19th century British oil on canvas • By Edward Armfield • Signed “E. Armfield” lower left • Historic artist and title inscription verso • Known as *A Sharp Lookout* • Three individually observed terriers • Classic Victorian working-dog subject • Ratting scene set within a rustic barn • Atmospheric use of shadow and warm earth colours • Collectable British canine and sporting picture • Antique decorative gilt frame • Acquired at the Annual Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Fine Art Fair • Curated and researched by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® • Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution supplied Introduction A fine and highly characterful 19th century British sporting oil painting by Edward Armfield depicting three alert terriers gathered within a rustic barn or stable. Entitled *A Sharp Lookout*, the picture captures an instant of concentrated anticipation. The dogs have evidently detected quarry concealed somewhere beyond view and Armfield uses their differing reactions to construct the narrative. One of the particular strengths of the composition is the individuality of the animals. Their differing coats, expressions and stances prevent the group from becoming repetitive, while their common point of attention binds the scene together. The mellow palette and antique gilt frame give the work considerable decorative appeal, while its signed status and surviving historic inscription add further interest for collectors. Edward Armfield Edward Armfield was a British animal painter whose oeuvre is particularly associated with dogs. His canine subjects include terriers and sporting dogs portrayed in rural landscapes, interiors and working situations. His paintings are notable for combining observation of individual animals with accessible narrative subjects. In *A Sharp Lookout*, the dogs’ behaviour is the story. Their concentrated attention encourages the viewer to imagine the concealed quarry and what might happen next. Victorian Sporting & Rural Life The subject reflects the practical role of terriers within 19th century rural Britain. Barns and stables naturally attracted vermin, and terriers were valued working animals used to control rats and other pests. Such subjects became popular within Victorian animal and sporting painting because they allowed artists to combine familiar country life with the energetic character of working dogs. Armfield turns the practical activity into a carefully staged pictorial drama. The Historic Title An old handwritten inscription on the reverse reads: “a sharp lookout / by E Armfield” The wording corresponds directly with the scene and records the traditional title together with the artist's name. The painting itself is also signed “E. Armfield” at the lower left. Medium & Frame Oil on canvas. Presented within an antique decorative gilt frame. Dimensions Framed dimensions approximately: 51 cm high x 61 cm wide x 4 cm deep. Approximately 20.1 inches high x 24 inches wide x 1.6 inches deep. Landscape orientation. Provenance Acquired at the Annual Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Fine Art Fair. Curated and researched by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution Supplied with a Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution documenting the artwork and the attribution under which it has been catalogued and sold. Attribution and Research The attribution to Edward Armfield is supported by the “E. Armfield” signature, the historic verso inscription identifying both artist and title, the characteristic canine subject, stylistic examination and comparative catalogue research. The catalogue attribution reflects our professional dealer opinion based upon the physical and documentary evidence available to us. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® Independent UK fine art dealer and registered Art Market Participant. Member of the Fine Art Trade Guild. Bringing History Into Your Home.