What characterises Victorian sporting and animal oil paintings?

Victorian sporting and animal paintings focused on depicting working dogs, hunting hounds, and livestock in realistic rural settings. Popularised during the 19th century in Britain, these works highlighted working dog breeds and country life through detailed brushwork and warm lighting.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century oil paintings and frames?

Paintings from this era were created using oil pigments on stretched linen canvas anchored to wooden stretchers. The surrounding ornate frames were constructed from wood and moulded composition, finished with hand-applied gold leaf over a gesso foundation.

How can authentic 19th-century oil paintings be identified?

Authentic period paintings show natural signs of age, such as uniform surface craquelure, oxidation of protective varnishes, and darkening on the reverse of the canvas. Period giltwood frames often present minor wear on raised surfaces, revealing red or grey bole beneath the gilding.

How can an antique dog portrait be styled in a modern interior?

Traditional canine portraits serve as narrative focal points when positioned above a fireplace, sideboard, or integrated into a gallery wall. Pairing classical gilded frames with contemporary furniture creates balanced visual contrast within both traditional and modern schemes.

How should historical oil paintings and giltwood frames be maintained?

Keep historical artwork away from direct sunlight, excess moisture, and direct heat sources to prevent canvas movement and varnish breakdown. Remove loose dust from the canvas surface and carved frame mouldings using a dry, soft camel-hair brush, avoiding moisture or chemical cleaners.

for sale €3,744 $4,064

£3,200

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19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Name: 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1236491
Price: 3200 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting A Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

A characterful signed 19th century British sporting oil painting by Edward Armfield depicting three working terriers keeping an intensely sharp lookout for unseen quarry within a rustic barn.

Traditionally titled A Sharp Lookout, the composition captures the instant immediately before action. The terriers have clearly detected something concealed nearby. Their alert expressions and differing poses create a compelling sense of anticipation while allowing each animal an individual character.

Warm browns, ochres and subdued natural tones establish the agricultural interior, with the lighter markings of the dogs emerging effectively against the surrounding shadow.

The Artist

Edward Armfield was a British animal and sporting painter particularly associated with terriers, working dogs and scenes of ratting and rabbiting.

Published sources differ concerning his precise dates and identity. Traditional auction cataloguing frequently uses 1817 to 1896, while other records describe him simply as Edward Armfield, 19th Century.

We therefore conservatively catalogue the artist as:

Edward Armfield

British, 19th Century

Comparative Research

Terrier ratting subjects recur within Armfield's documented oeuvre, with signed examples recorded by major auction houses.

A separate Edward Armfield composition has historically carried the title A Sharp Lookout. It is a different painting and forms no part of the provenance of the present work, but provides useful comparative evidence for Armfield's association with the title.

Signature & Inscription

Signed E. Armfield lower left.

Historically inscribed verso:

"a sharp lookout / by E Armfield"

Provenance

Subsequent private ownership.

acquired by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD at the Annual Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Fine Art Fair.

Dealer invoice No. 303 retained within our archive.

Medium

Oil on canvas.

Dimensions

51 cm high x 61 cm wide x 4 cm deep overall including frame.

Approximately 20.1 inches high x 24 inches wide x 1.6 inches deep.

Condition

The canvas has previously been relined. Age-related craquelure, aged varnish and associated tonal discolouration are present.

The antique decorative gilt frame displays age-related wear commensurate with its age.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The painting will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historic oil-on-canvas support and decorative gilt frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Date of Manufacture

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Victorian Terrier Oil Painting to the 19th Century.

Independent Date Check ID 09655437

Dealer's Item Date19th Century

Sellingantiques Date19th Century

Sellingantiques agingItem 125-160 years old

Test ResultsPassed dating check

Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 19TH CENTURY:

Gilt swept frame with moulded corner cartouches: late nineteenth-century picture moulding.

Relined canvas on an expandable wooden stretcher: traditional preservation work.

Signed E Armfield lower left in dark pigment: mark of the Victorian sporting artist.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Physical Dimensions

Height

51cm (20.08")

Width

61cm (24.02")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1236491

Dealers Internal Reference

CAK-SK-5015

Dealers Notes

DELIVERY & SHIPPING INFORMATION

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® offers UK and worldwide delivery using established courier services, including DHL, DPD, Parcelforce and FedEx, together with specialist fine art transport providers where appropriate.

FREE UK MAINLAND DELIVERY

We offer complimentary delivery to mainland England, mainland Wales and mainland Scotland, excluding the Scottish Highlands and Islands and other remote locations where additional charges may apply.

International shipping is available to the USA, Canada, Europe and other worldwide destinations. Please contact us for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

PACKAGING & INSURANCE

Great care is taken in the professional packaging and transportation of our fine art and antiques. Each item is carefully wrapped and protected using materials appropriate to its size, condition and fragility.

Tracked and insured delivery services are arranged where available, subject to the applicable insurance terms and coverage.

Larger paintings, antique furniture and particularly fragile items may require specialist door-to-door transportation.

Estimated delivery times are generally 2-5 working days within mainland UK and 5-14 working days internationally, following dispatch. These are estimates and may vary depending on the destination, customs procedures and courier arrangements.

RETURNS & CANCELLATIONS

We recognise applicable statutory consumer cancellation and return rights, including the usual 14-day cancellation period for qualifying distance purchases.

Where a statutory cancellation right applies, refunds, including any standard outbound delivery charges required by law, will be processed in accordance with applicable consumer protection legislation.

Customers may be responsible for direct return delivery costs where permitted by law and where the required information has been provided before purchase.

Additional information is available in our Terms & Conditions and Returns Policy.

CONTACT US

Our professional team is available to assist with enquiries concerning artworks, condition, delivery and purchasing arrangements.

UK Telephone: 07494 763382

International: +44 7494 763382

Website: https://cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com/

PAYMENTS

Purchases are arranged directly with Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® following an enquiry.

We accept secure online card payments, PayPal, Klarna, Apple Pay and Google Pay, where available, for transactions up to £5,000.

Transactions exceeding £5,000 are payable by bank transfer.

Proforma invoices containing our company bank details are available upon request.

Cash on collection may be accepted by prior written arrangement, subject to a maximum of £8,000 and applicable legal requirements.

CUSTOMS & INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

International orders are generally supplied on a Delivered at Place (DAP) basis unless otherwise agreed in writing.

International buyers are responsible for applicable import duties, import VAT, customs clearance charges and other destination-country taxes or fees.

Following Brexit, EU customers may be subject to additional customs procedures and import charges. Buyers are advised to consult their local customs authority before purchasing.

Where a shipment is refused because of unpaid customs charges, any refund and associated shipping costs will be handled in accordance with our Terms & Conditions and applicable consumer protection legislation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All artworks and antiques remain subject to prior sale and availability.

Purchases are governed by the applicable Terms & Conditions and Returns Policy of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Nothing in this information excludes or restricts statutory consumer rights.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Registered in England & Wales

Company No. 15666518

VAT No. GB 466128775

Description

19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting A Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

“

A characterful signed 19th century British sporting oil painting by Edward Armfield depicting three working terriers keeping an intensely sharp lookout for unseen quarry within a rustic barn.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

fig 1. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 1. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Traditionally titled A Sharp Lookout, the composition captures the instant immediately before action. The terriers have clearly detected something concealed nearby. Their alert expressions and differing poses create a compelling sense of anticipation while allowing each animal an individual character.

fig 2. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 2. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Warm browns, ochres and subdued natural tones establish the agricultural interior, with the lighter markings of the dogs emerging effectively against the surrounding shadow.

The Artist

Edward Armfield was a British animal and sporting painter particularly associated with terriers, working dogs and scenes of ratting and rabbiting.

fig 3. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 3. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Published sources differ concerning his precise dates and identity. Traditional auction cataloguing frequently uses 1817 to 1896, while other records describe him simply as Edward Armfield, 19th Century.

fig 4. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 4. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

We therefore conservatively catalogue the artist as:

Edward Armfield

British, 19th Century

Comparative Research

Terrier ratting subjects recur within Armfield's documented oeuvre, with signed examples recorded by major auction houses.

fig 5. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 5. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

A separate Edward Armfield composition has historically carried the title A Sharp Lookout. It is a different painting and forms no part of the provenance of the present work, but provides useful comparative evidence for Armfield's association with the title.

fig 6. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 6. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Signature & Inscription

Signed E. Armfield lower left.

Historically inscribed verso:

"a sharp lookout / by E Armfield"

Provenance

Subsequent private ownership.

acquired by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD at the Annual Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Fine Art Fair.

fig 7. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 7. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Dealer invoice No. 303 retained within our archive.

Medium

Oil on canvas.

Dimensions

51 cm high x 61 cm wide x 4 cm deep overall including frame.

Approximately 20.1 inches high x 24 inches wide x 1.6 inches deep.

fig 8. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 8. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Condition

The canvas has previously been relined. Age-related craquelure, aged varnish and associated tonal discolouration are present.

The antique decorative gilt frame displays age-related wear commensurate with its age.

fig 9. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 9. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The painting will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historic oil-on-canvas support and decorative gilt frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.

fig 10. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 10. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

fig 11. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 11. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

fig 12. A 19th-century oil painting depicting three working terriers inside a straw-lined barn, presented in an ornate giltwood frame with detailed corner embellishments. — fig 12. 19th Century Edward Armfield Oil Painting a Sharp Lookout Working Terriers

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.