A charming early to mid-19th-century oil on canvas depicting two huntsmen resting alongside their dogs and a pony. The artist, Augustus S Boult (act. 1815-1853), often painted rural scenes involving country pursuits and this is a very good example of his work.

Boult’s works are hard to come by and have achieved significant sums at Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Bonhams. This piece previously sold at Bonhams, Oxfordshire in 2010.

The painting is signed and housed within a later gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 19½” x 15½” / 50cm x 40cm
Year of creation: c. 1840
Provenance: England
Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable. Some minor scratches. Canvas relined. Frame with some light age-related wear.
Artist’s Auction Highlight: £6,000 achieved for ‘Portrait of an officer’ at Sotheby's in 2003.