George Stubbs' rare dog painting expected to fetch £2 million at auction

In London, a notable artwork by George Stubbs, a British artist renowned for his animal paintings, is set to go under the hammer for the first time in over 50 years. The painting titled The Spanish Pointer, which features a Spanish pointer dog, is estimated to sell for as much as £2 million ($2.5 million). This significant auction event is organized by Sotheby's and is scheduled to happen next week. The provenance of the painting is impressive, as it last changed hands in 1972 for £30,000 ($37,700). Since then, it has been held in a private collection, thus intensifying interest among art collectors and enthusiasts as it re-emerges into the public domain. Julian Gascoigne, a senior director at Sotheby's and a specialist in British paintings, suggests that the artwork was likely painted in 1766, an important year for Stubbs. This year marked the publication of The Anatomy of the Horse, a work that had consumed much of the artist's time in the preceding decade and established his reputation as the foremost animal painter of his time. The Spanish Pointer painting is significant within Stubbs' oeuvre, representing his early engagement with canine subjects, and it is acknowledged as one of his most well-known works. Historically, the painting has only been exhibited publicly once before, which took place in 1948 at London's National Gallery of Sports and Pastimes, making its upcoming auction a rare occasion for the public to appreciate this masterpiece. Notably, Stubbs produced two versions of The Spanish Pointer, both of which are nearly identical with slight variations in their backgrounds. The other version resides in the Neue Pinakothek in Munich. This reflects the popularity and importance of the piece within Stubbs' collection. The Spanish Pointer showcases Stubbs' mastery in rendering the anatomy and likeness of animals, particularly in this instance concerning a breed that was prized for its hunting ability and disposition among English sportsmen. With its wide nostrils and well-defined anatomical features, the painting illustrates Stubbs' keen observation and understanding of animal forms. Beyond its artistic merit, the painting also encapsulates the dynamics of art commerce during Stubbs' time and serves as a testament to his place in the history of British art, particularly concerning his legacy in animal representations. As interest in historical art continues to grow, the auction of this painting underscores the enduring value of Stubbs' contributions to the visual arts.