John Gifford (british 1865-1898) ‘’the Day’s Bag’’ Oil On Canvas Signed Lower Left

John Gifford was a painter of sporting dogs which he usually pictured in a Highland setting with game. In this painting, which depicts an English Setter with a Black and Tan Setter, now known as a Gordon Setter, the background of the Scottish Highlands is sensitively painted and the graceful Setters, guarding the day’s bag for their master, are handsomely portrayed.
As were many painters of dogs and of equestrian subjects, John Gifford was an avid sportsman and painted mainly for friends and for his own enjoyment.
Popular 19th century painting ‘’A dictionary of European genre painters’’ by Poltimore and Hook (Antique Collectors Club)
Dictionary of Sporting Artists, 1650-1990 by Mary Ann Wingfield