A Pair of Hunting Scenes: Over the Ditch and A Fall at the Fence

A Pair of Hunting Scenes: Over the Ditch and A Fall at the Fence

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Reference

186128

JOHN DALBY  

Fl. 1826-1853

English School

A Pair of Hunting Scenes: Over the Ditch and A Fall at the Fence     

Oil on board, both signed  

23.5 x 31.5 cms

9 1/4 x 12 3/8 inches



Despite the fact that Sally Mitchell says of John Dalby's work, "fine quality and exquisite finish" and Christopher Wood writes "...hunting scenes .... are of very good quality", remarkably little is known of his life.

The earliest record of him is in 1838 when he was living at 38 Stonegate, York, with Thomas Dalby where he is recorded as a painter. The Dalby family of painters can seem confusing. The oldest David Dalby, 1794-1836, who was a sporting artist and lived in York, always signed "D. Dalby"; John, who is believed to be his son, signed just "Dalby" or "J Dalby". In addition, there are believed to be at least two other painter members of the family: Thomas, and Joshua although the latter's rare output is so similar in style to John's that some believe them to be one and the same.

John Dalby's work is quite different from David's as he painted predominantly hunting scenes. His style is very tight and detailed, almost like a miniaturist. The colour is strong and the hunting scenes are full of action and show the influence of Henry Alken. Even his carriage pictures usually have attendant riders or huntsman filling the composition as well.



Bibliography:

The Dictionary of Victorian Painters - Christopher Wood

The Dictionary of British Equestrian Artists - Sally Mitchell

Dog Painting 1840-1940 - William Secord

Year

1800 - 1899

Medium

Oil on board,

Country

England

Signed

both signed

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