Blackgame; Trimmed and spurred Fighting Cocks
Blackgame; Trimmed and spurred Fighting Cocks
STEPHEN ELMER
English School
c.1714-1796
Blackgame; Trimmed and spurred Fighting Cocks
Oil on canvas
63.5 x 76.2 cms
25 x 30 inches
Elmer was the son of a maltster in Farnham, Surrey and continued working in the family business while painting as a sideline. He gained a high reputation for his works depicting animals, birds, still life and rural scenes. One critic said of his chosen subject matter "...those objects which are familiar to the sportsman, the cook and the bon vivant".
His bird pictures, particularly of game birds, were true to life, accurately drawn and of artistic merit and like Charles Collins (1680-1744) he could catch the characteristic pose of the bird. He had a bold and free style which gives his paintings individuality and, in addition, they are pleasing for the attractive landscapes in which they are set.
He was made a member of the Society of Artists in 1763 and in 1772, after sending nine paintings of fish, animals and birds to the Royal Academy, he was elected an Associate member of that body. He gained a reputation as the most successful British painter of still life and dead game of that generation.
Elmer exhibited prolifically with 117 at the Royal Academy, 113 at the Free Society and 4 at the British Institute with titles such as "Sportsman with dead game", "Spaniels and woodcocks", "Fish and cat", "Fighting cocks", "Covey of partridges" and "Basket of Strawberries".
c 1714 - 1796
Oil on canvas
England
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://johnbennettfinepaintings.com/sporting-animals/blackgame-trimmed-and-spurred-fighting-cocks&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/johnbennett-r24Guyefdsuy3/stock/6217de80a4e4d_523_218816.jpg&description=STEPHEN ELMEREnglish Schoolc.1714-1796 Blackgame; Trimmed and spurred Fighting CocksOil on canvas63.5 x 76.2 cms25 x 30 inchesElmer was the son of a maltster in Farnham, Surrey and continued working in the family business while painting as a sideline. He gained a high reputation for his works depicting animals, birds, still life and rural scenes. One critic said of his chosen subject matter "...those objects which are familiar to the sportsman, the cook and the bon vivant".His bird pictures, particularly of game birds, were true to life, accurately drawn and of artistic merit and like Charles Collins (1680-1744) he could catch the characteristic pose of the bird. He had a bold and free style which gives his paintings individuality and, in addition, they are pleasing for the attractive landscapes in which they are set.He was made a member of the Society of Artists in 1763 and in 1772, after sending nine paintings of fish, animals and birds to the Royal Academy, he was elected an Associate member of that body. He gained a reputation as the most successful British painter of still life and dead game of that generation.Elmer exhibited prolifically with 117 at the Royal Academy, 113 at the Free Society and 4 at the British Institute with titles such as "Sportsman with dead game", "Spaniels and woodcocks", "Fish and cat", "Fighting cocks", "Covey of partridges" and "Basket of Strawberries".){kind=link}