Lord Southampton’s Shooting Pony, with ‘Sailor’, His Retriever, and ‘Rover’, His Spaniel c. 1822

This graphite sketch by renowned British artist James Ward (1769-1859) depicts “Lord Southampton’s Shooting Pony, with ‘Sailor’, His Retriever, and ‘Rover’, His Spaniel.” The loose, gestural style of the work captures the energy of a hunting scene. This sketch dates from c. 1822, and is a testament to Ward’s mastery of capturing the essence of animals in movement, particularly in their relationship to the landscape. Ward was known for his detailed and lifelike depictions of animals and this sketch illustrates his sensitivity to portraying the natural world through his expert use of line.