New Forest Hounds, by British artist John Emms sold for a record $843,250

Bonhams celebrated the Chinese New Year of the Dog by holding an important auction of canine art in New York on February 14, 2006.

The highlight of the record sales was an outstanding work entitled New Forest Hounds, by British artist John Emms (1843-1912); the painting, featuring thirteen hounds and one terrier, was accompanied by the original key with name and birth dates of each dog and sold for $843,250 (estimate $800,000-1,200,000), to an American private collector.

The work descended in the family of Henry Martin Powell, JP, Master of the New Forest Foxhounds of Wilverley Park, Lyndhurst, Hants, who commissioned the work from the artist.

Eight Dandie Dinmonts, by British artist John Emms

The popularity of Emms' work was seen in several other paintings offered in the auction, including Eight Dandie Dinmonts, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $40,000-60,000, selling for $150,250.

The group of dandies depicted were prize-winning dogs from the kennels of Archie Steel, who commissioned the painting. Archie Steel was a well-known breeder from Kelso who exhibited his dogs regularly from 1880-1907. Another Emms of a single Dandie Dinmont, 'Ch. Edenside' - who was also owned by Archie Steel and a prize-winner in 1887 - fetched $29,875 against an estimate of $10,000 - 15,000.

The Orphans, James Yates Carrington (British, d. 1892).

A record was also established for works by the artist James Yates Carrington (British, d. 1892). Titled The Orphans, the endearing scene of a forlorn bulldog and terrier behind bars soon eclipsed the artist's 1995 auction record selling for $47,800 (estimate $10,000-15,000).

Spirited bidding in the salesroom as well as telephone bids, came from all corners of the globe including clients in the UK, Belgium and South Africa. Ninety per cent of the successful buyers came from the United States, and two paintings were purchased for the famed American Kennel Club collection.

Edwin Frederick Holt's portraits of twelve identified dogs, some of the earliest known portraits of show winners, sold for $47,800 (estimate $3,500-5,000).

[pictured left and right] Edwin Frederick Holt (British 19th Century) Twelve dogs comprising: Black Prince, Scotch Terrier; Old Thunder; Norah; Max; Empress; Puff; Scotch Terrier Tiny; Italian Greyhound Fly; Mount St. Berrnard Waldo; Dandie Dinmont Crafty; King Charles Spaniel Prince; Dandie Dinmont Dirk. all signed and inscribed, six dated variously 1865-1873 oil on canvas

Curiosity - Sealyhams watching a butterfly, signed Lucy Dawson, coloured chalks 14 x 18 in. 35.5 x 46 cm

Popular British 20th Century artist, Lucy Dawson (aka Mac) was represented by five lots which realised prices between $1300-$2250.

Some very affordable Marguerite Kirmse (American/British 1885-1954) lots made between $160 and $700; and a Standing Toy Bulldog signed 'M.Kirmse' oil on canvas went for $1800.

But it wasn't just dog paintings featuring in this auction. Our next article shows some of the other mediums represented.