The painting was last sold in 1972 for £30,000 ($37,700). CNN
A masterpiece by British artist George Stubbs, “The Spanish Pointer,” is expected to fetch up to £2 million ($2.5 million) at auction in London next week. This 18th-century painting of a Spanish pointer dog is making its first appearance at auction in over 50 years. The artwork, which has been part of a private collection for decades, was last sold in 1972 for £30,000 ($37,700). When it was first auctioned in 1802, it sold for just £11 ($14).
Considered one of Stubbs' most iconic works, "The Spanish Pointer" is known for being the artist’s earliest dog painting. It’s a piece that captures the attention of art collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Julian Gascoigne, a senior director and British paintings specialist at Sotheby’s, expressed excitement over the reappearance of such a significant artwork. He noted that the painting has only been publicly shown once before, at the 1948 exhibition at the National Gallery of Sports and Pastimes in London.
Although it is not known exactly when Stubbs created "The Spanish Pointer," Gascoigne estimates it was painted in 1766, a pivotal year in Stubbs’ career. That year marked the publication of his landmark work, "The Anatomy of the Horse," which earned him widespread recognition and solidified his reputation as the leading animal painter of the 18th century.
“The Spanish Pointer” became a widely admired painting, and Stubbs even created two nearly identical versions of it, with the other version currently housed in the Neue Pinakothek in Munich. The artwork depicts a Spanish pointer dog, a breed brought to England in the early 18th century. These dogs were highly valued by hunters for their obedience and exceptional skills in the field. Stubbs' painting captures the breed’s defining features, including its wide nostrils and strong bone structure.
Gascoigne highlighted the painting's significance, emphasizing Stubbs' deep understanding of animal anatomy, which contributed to his ability to portray animals with such accuracy and artistry. Stubbs, largely self-taught, had a background in anatomy, which allowed him to meticulously study and paint animals in stunning detail.
Although Stubbs completed fewer than 400 paintings during his lifetime, his expertise in animal anatomy earned him great respect. His most famous work, the painting “Whistlejacket,” a portrait of a racehorse, hangs in London’s National Gallery. Stubbs’ works are also part of Tate Britain’s collection of historic British art.
"The Spanish Pointer" is part of Sotheby’s upcoming exhibition of Old Master and 19th-century paintings, which will be available for viewing until early December. The auction provides a rare opportunity to acquire a piece from one of history’s greatest animal painters, and art lovers are eager to see how much the painting will fetch when the hammer falls.
