AFA Summer 2019

Summer 80 www.afamag.com | w ww.incollect.com James Hardy Jr. (1832–1889), English, The End of a Day’s Sport, 1876. Watercolor on paper, 37 x 28 inches. Born in 1832, James Hardy Jr. came from a family of painters. His father specialized in landscape, and that influence can be seen in the sensitive handling of the Scottish hills in this work. James Hardy Jr. frequently depicted the Scottish highlands made so popular by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who prized its wilderness and game, much the way the Adirondacks were celebrated in the U.S. Hardy usually painted in oil, but was adept at watercolors, as shown by this highly detailed work. This work provides a glimpse into the bond between hunter and hunting dogs, resting after a long day in the field. Arranged from bottom to top are an English Setter, a Red Irish Setter, an English Pointer, and a dark brown Gordon Setter. Hardy often included Gordon Setters in his paintings, perhaps because the dark color makes a pleasing contrast to the other dogs. These breeds became great favorites as general hunting dogs, and were used for hunting various game birds throughout the British Isles. The Kennel Club applied the name Gordon Setter to the breed in 1924. Before that they were known as Black and Tan Setters and were found in many kennels besides those of Alexander Gordon (1743–1827), fourth Duke of Gordon, for whom they were named. Arthur Wardle (England, 1864–1949), A Jack Russell Terrier, ca. 1900. Oil on canvas, 26 x 26 inches. In this painting, Wardle poses the dog to show off its specific breed characteristics and conformation. The Jack Russell Terrier originated in England, from dogs bred by the Reverend John Russell in the early nineteenth century. It has similar origins to the modern fox terrier, originally bred for foxhunting, although the Jack Russell, with its long straight front legs, tended to be larger than the terriers that more easily burrowed into fox holes. The dog’s wiry coat comes through the brushstroke, beautifully set against the autumnal tones of the undergrowth.