A masterpiece by renowned British artist George Stubbs is anticipated to fetch a staggering £2 million ($2.5 million) at an upcoming auction in London, marking its debut appearance on the auction block in over half a century. The 18th-century painting, featuring a Spanish pointer dog, last changed hands in 1972 for £30,000 ($37,700), as reported by Sotheby’s, the prestigious auction house overseeing the sale.

The artwork’s inaugural auction took place in 1802, where it was sold for a mere £11 ($14). Titled “The Spanish Pointer,” this piece is not only the artist’s inaugural canine depiction but also stands as one of his most iconic works, according to Sotheby’s. Julian Gascoigne, a senior director and specialist in British paintings at Sotheby’s, expressed his excitement, stating, “It is always a thrilling moment when a painting of this magnitude resurfaces after being dormant for so long.” The painting has been a part of a private collection for several decades and has only been publicly displayed once, in 1948 at London’s National Gallery of Sports and Pastimes.

While the exact date of the painting’s creation remains unknown, Gascoigne estimates it to have been crafted around 1766, a pivotal year in Stubbs’s career. He explained, “It was in this year that ‘The Anatomy of the Horse,’ a project that had consumed much of his previous decade, was finally published, propelling him to fame and solidifying his status as the preeminent animal painter of the 18th century.” “The Spanish Pointer” has since gained popularity, with Stubbs creating two versions of the painting and several reproductions. The two versions are nearly indistinguishable, save for subtle variations in the landscape. The alternative version is housed in the Neue Pinakothek in Munich.

The painting captures the essence of the pointer dog breed, which was introduced to England from Spain in the early 18th century. These dogs were highly valued by sportsmen for their obedience and prowess in hunting. In this artwork, Stubbs masterfully captures the breed’s distinctive features, such as the broad nostrils and prominent bones in the skull’s posterior. Gascoigne remarked, “This painting exemplifies his versatility and innate comprehension of animal anatomy across all species.” He further added, “The circumstances surrounding its commission are indicative of the ambition and business acumen that would lead to his emergence as the most celebrated and esteemed animal painter in Europe.”

Stubbs, a largely self-taught artist, had a background in anatomy, which greatly benefited his animal paintings. Despite completing fewer than 400 paintings throughout his career, Stubbs’s exceptional skill earned him a reputation for his animal depictions, particularly horses. His painting of a racehorse, “Whistlejacket,” is displayed in London’s National Gallery, and his works are also part of the Tate Britain’s collection of historic British art. “The Spanish Pointer” will be on view at Sotheby’s exhibition of old master and 19th-century paintings until early December, offering art enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to admire this remarkable piece of art history.

The anticipated sale of “The Spanish Pointer” for a sum as high as £2 million ($2.5 million) is a testament to the enduring appeal and value of Stubbs’s work. The painting’s previous auction in 1972, where it was sold for £30,000 ($37,700), already indicated its significance, but the current estimate underscores the dramatic increase in its worth over the past five decades. The painting’s first auction in 1802, with a sale price of £11 ($14), further highlights the remarkable journey of this artwork through time, reflecting the evolving appreciation for Stubbs’s contributions to the world of art.

Gascoigne’s excitement about the painting’s re-emergence is shared by art historians and collectors alike, as it offers a rare glimpse into the early work of an artist who would go on to become one of the most influential animal painters of the 18th century. The painting’s brief public exhibition in 1948 at London’s National Gallery of Sports and Pastimes only adds to its mystique, as it has been largely unseen by the public eye for decades.

The painting’s estimated creation date of 1766 is particularly significant, as it coincides with the publication of Stubbs’s “The Anatomy of the Horse,” a work that not only catapulted him to fame but also established him as a leading figure in the field of animal painting. This context adds depth to the appreciation of “The Spanish Pointer,” as it is a product of a pivotal moment in Stubbs’s career.

The popularity of “The Spanish Pointer” is evident in the existence of two versions of the painting, with only minor differences in the landscape to distinguish them. This popularity is further demonstrated by the production of several copies, attesting to the painting’s influence and the high regard in which Stubbs’s work is held.

The depiction of the Spanish pointer dog in the painting is a testament to Stubbs’s keen observation and understanding of the breed, which was highly prized for its hunting skills and obedience. The painting captures the breed’s unique characteristics, such as the wide nostrils and the prominent bones in the back of the head, showcasing Stubbs’s expertise in animal anatomy.

Gascoigne’s comments on Stubbs’s versatility and innate understanding of animal anatomy are well-founded, as the painting demonstrates a deep knowledge of the subject matter. This understanding is a hallmark of Stubbs’s work and is a key reason for his enduring reputation as a master of animal painting.

Stubbs’s largely self-taught background, coupled with his study of anatomy, served him well in his pursuit of painting animals. Although his oeuvre is relatively small, consisting of fewer than 400 paintings, the quality of his work has secured his place in art history as a renowned painter of animals, especially horses.

The painting of the racehorse “Whistlejacket” in London’s National Gallery and the inclusion of Stubbs’s works in the Tate Britain’s collection of historic British art are further testaments to his lasting impact on the art world. The upcoming exhibition at Sotheby’s, where “The Spanish Pointer” will be on display until early December, provides a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to witness this historic piece firsthand.