A 19th Century Oil of Spaniels – George Armfield

Spaniels Chasing a Pheasant

George Armfield (1808-1893) was born in Wales, the son of William Armfield Hobday (1771-1831) a portrait painter who had a studio at 54 Pall Mall, London, from whom he drew inspiration in his artistic career. Unlike his brother, William, who was given a formal art education including a tour of Rome, George’s education was sporadic and he spent a period of time apprenticed to a maker of fishing tackle. And yet by the age of 16, he had devoted himself to painting and his works found enthusiastic clients assuring his career as an artist. He was successful beyond the majority of his young rivals and quickly found recognition. His early marriage at 17 years of age suggests an indiscretion rather than a need for financial union.

Armfield showed his works throughout London in the 1830s and 1840s, exhibiting at the Royal Academy and The Royal Society of British Artists. His services were in great demand as a painter of horse and dog portraits and he spent three months at the Earl Fitzwilliam’s residence painting animal portraits in the stables and kennels of his patron’s house.

George Armfield’s success was largely due to his love of animals and his understanding of horses and particularly dogs is apparent throughout his work. Throughout the 19th century in England there was a growing love for domestic animals and certain artists built their careers uniquely portraying them. He is considered an important painter within this field and works by him can be found in public collections including the Walker Art Gallery and the Glasgow Art Gallery.