John Emms (1843-1912)

A terrier named 'Joe' standing in an English country house walled garden, painted by the eminent animal painter John Emms (1844-1912) in the late 19th century.
Signed, lower left: "J Emms" and inscribed with the dog's name, ‘Joe’.
Oil on canvas in its original giltwood frame, canvas size 14 x 17.5inches, in frame 19 x 22inches

John Emms was born on the 21st of April 1843 in Blofield, Norfolk. He was the son of the artist William Emms, and is believed to have studied under neo-classical painter Frederick Leighton. Emms was an animal and sporting painter, specialising in foxhounds, terriers and horses. His works are mainly in oils, showing a confident hand, bold brush strokes, generous layers of paint and a great understanding of the physical elements of his subjects. Emms exhibited frequently in London from 1866 to 1903, particularly at the Royal Academy and the Suffolk Street Gallery. He famously painted a series of Clumber spaniel works for the Duke and Duchess of Newcastle. His works can be found in National Trust Tatton Park Knutsford, National Gallery Edinburgh, New Forrest Museum & Council Lyndhurst, Russell Cotes Art Gallery Bournemouth, Sheffield Museum, Southampton City Gallery, Torre Abbey House, Torquay. Emms passed away on the 1st November 1912 at the family home in Lyndhurst.