Portrait of a Young Sportsman with Two Hounds
American or British, first half of the 19th century
Oil on canvas laid on masonite, in gilt frame, 37 ¼ x 22 ¼ inches

A young sportsman poses somewhat stiffly in a landscape with two attentive hounds, who are as interested in him as we are. His smooth complexion, silky hair, exaggerated brows, and dark eyes offer an unexpected contrast to the conventionally masculine activity portrayed. The effect is striking.

The upright sporting gun anchors the composition while the dogs crowd affectionately into the foreground, giving an otherwise formal portrait an unexpected sense of intimacy. There is an appealing tension between the portrait’s ambition and its somewhat awkward execution, the sort of thing that gives provincial portraiture so much of its individuality.

And then there is the story. Family tradition identifies the sitter as John Shreve of Upper Marlborough, Maryland, remembered by later generations as something of a wastrel with a particular fondness for older women and actresses. According to a history attached to the painting, family disapproval led to the portrait being relegated to an attic, where it suffered water damage before undergoing extensive restoration in the 1950s. The portrait remained in the family until 2017.

The painting has undergone extensive restoration, probably following the water damage described in the family history, and the worn gilt frame has had a long life of its own. Neither is pristine. But at Hurleyberloo, we’re happy to bring him out of the attic.

How much of that irresistible family story is true remains to be discovered. What survives unquestionably is a memorable portrait, extensive restoration and all. The dogs, for their part, seem considerably less troubled by his reputation than his descendants apparently were.

$1,800