The Rat Trap & Under the Wheelbarrow

Object Description

Edward Armfield
British, (1817-1896)
The Rat Trap & Under the Wheelbarrow
Oil on canvas, pair, both signed
Image size: 15½ inches x 11½ inches
Size including frame: 22¼ inches x 18¼ inches

Object Literature

Edward Armfield was a prolific and popular artist who specialised in paintings of terriers ratting and sporting dogs. Terriers had long been used for sports other than fighting and for centuries had been used to control vermin. The Victorian era was age of pet portraits, with the most important influence on their popularity being Queen Victoria who owned an extensive number of dog breeds including terriers. This created a demand for portraits of dogs and artists such as Armfield flourished. Although he had a large output, Armfield occasionally completed a picture far superior to his other paintings, as in this example here. His style is similar to that of George Armfield (1820-1893) to whom he is thought to have been related. A number of his works can be found in museums and art galleries including the Leamington Spa Art Gallery and the Brighton & Hove Museum.

The paintings are housed in their original giltwood frames which are in excellent condition.

Object Details