ADAM'S Country House Collections Day II - 28th April 2026

31 Country House Collections | 27 th - 28 th April 2026 453 MAUD EARL (1863-1943) A set of three, Dogs in the Snow Oil on canvas, laid down, Each 116 x 54.5cm Each signed Provenance: With Sotheby’s, Belgravia, 9th of September 1975 € 8,000 - 12,000 Maud Earl (1863-1943) was one of the foremost animal painters of her generation, celebrated for her sensitive and highly naturalistic depictions of dogs. Born into a family of sporting artists, she was the daughter of George Earl, celebrated artist, was Maud’s first teacher, insisting she study anatomy through detailed drawings, a discipline she credited with setting her apart from other dog painters. She later studied at the Royal Female School of Art, which became part of the Central School of Art. Her work gained considerable popularity in Britain and the United States, where she exhibited widely and secured prestigious commissions from prominent collectors and breeders. Queen Victoria, a passionate dog lov- er, commissioned Earl to paint her favourite Collie, and other members of the royal family, including Queen Alexandra, Francis Redmond of Totter- idge fame, and the Duchess of Newcastle became her patrons. These striking compositions present a solitary dog standing in a snow-covered landscape, the first, showing its head lifted in a moment of alert attention, possibly mid-call. The animal is rendered with exceptional sensitivity, the soft handling of the thick, pale coat contrasting subtly with touches of warmer tones around the ears and muzzle. Earl’s precise yet fluid brushwork conveys both the texture of the fur and the physical pres- ence of the animal with notable realism. Set against sweeping, windswept backdrops, the scenes are dominated by cool, muted palette of greys and icy blues. The rising slope behind the figure and the suggestion of drifting snow create a strong sense of movement and atmosphere, evoking the chill and stillness of winter. The sparse foreground, with only minimal vegetation breaking through the snow, further emphasizes the isolation of the subject. The composition is carefully balanced, with the dog positioned slightly off-centre, drawing the viewer’s eye upward along the diagonal of the landscape to the animal’s raised head. This subtle dynamism enhances the emotional impact of the work, suggesting vigilance, resilience, and an intimate connection between the animal and its environment. These paintings exemplify Earl’s ability to combine anatomical accuracy with mood and setting, resulting in a work that is both a compelling ani- mal portrait and an evocative winter scene. Maud Earl’s work is held in prestigious collections including the Royal Col- lection Trust, The Kennel Club Art Gallery, the National Trust (UK), the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, and the New York Public Li- brary.