Carl Andersen Antiques

Description

George Armfield, also known as George Armfield Smith, was renowned for his vivid depictions of terriers in action, often chasing birds, cats, mice, or rabbits. The piece you describe, "Terriers Chasing Rabbit", showcases his skill in portraying lively and energetic hunting scenes, with terriers engaged in their natural behaviour.

The painting, set in an oak frame, captures terriers in pursuit of a rabbit through undergrowth, a common theme for Armfield. His signature attention to the dogs' movement, expressions, and the texture of the landscape adds a dynamic element to the scene. Being oval-shaped makes the composition more intimate, focusing the viewer's attention on the action within the natural environment.

Armfield’s works, particularly his small dog paintings, were so well-regarded that they were sometimes mistaken for those of Edwin Landseer, a famed British painter of animals. Armfield's detailed depictions of terriers, along with his mastery in rendering fur, motion, and landscape elements, made him a key figure in the genre of animal and hunting paintings.

It's fascinating to note that despite his connection with Wales, as often stated, he was actually born in Bristol, and he inherited his artistic flair from his father, William Armfield Hobday, a portrait painter. His ability to capture animals' emotions and actions was exceptional, and his works, especially ones like this oval painting, are a testament to his legacy in British art.