A rare painting by renowned 18th-century British artist George Stubbs is set to go under the hammer in London next week, with an estimated sale price of up to £2 million ($2.5 million).
The artwork, titled The Spanish Pointer, is one of Stubbs’ earliest and most celebrated dog portraits. It has been privately held for decades and will make its first public appearance in over 50 years at a Sotheby’s auction. The piece was last sold in 1972 for £30,000 ($37,700) and was first auctioned in 1802 for just £11 ($14).
“It is always very exciting when a painting of this calibre re-emerges after being ‘lost,’” said Julian Gascoigne, senior director and British paintings specialist at Sotheby’s.
Dating back to 1766, the painting depicts a Spanish pointer, a dog breed introduced to England in the early 18th century and prized for its hunting skills. The artwork showcases Stubbs’ remarkable understanding of animal anatomy, a skill honed during his studies of equine anatomy.
“This painting demonstrates his versatility and innate understanding of animal anatomy across species,” Gascoigne added. “The circumstances of its commission are indicative of the ambition and commercial acumen that would see him emerge as the most famous, and most highly regarded animal painter in Europe.”
Stubbs, largely self-taught, gained fame for his depictions of animals, particularly horses. His iconic racehorse painting Whistlejacket hangs in London’s National Gallery, and several of his works are part of Tate Britain’s historic art collection.
The Spanish Pointer has two versions, with the other residing in Munich’s Neue Pinakothek collection. The Sotheby’s exhibition will display the painting alongside other Old Master and 19th-century works until early December, offering collectors a rare chance to bid on this masterpiece.
