Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

John Sargent Noble
Guardians of the flock

$5,130.48
£3,750
€4,411.95
CA$7,045.94
A$7,885.80
CHF 4,117.62
MX$96,207.18
NOK 52,267.74
SEK 49,598.87
DKK 32,946.37
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

John Sargent Noble R.B.A (1848-1896) Guardians of the flock signed 'J.S. Noble' (lower right) Oil on canvas Canvas Size 14 x 18 in Framed Size 17 1/2 x 21 1/2 in Provenance The Collection of Charlie Watts. Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare. John Sargent Noble (1850–1895) was a distinguished British painter renowned for his evocative depictions of animals, particularly hunting dogs and sporting scenes. Born in England in the mid-19th century, Noble studied at the prestigious Royal Academy Schools from 1870, where he refined his artistic abilities under the guidance of Sir Edwin Landseer, the celebrated animal painter to Queen Victoria. Landseer’s influence is clearly felt in Noble’s work, which combined technical precision with emotional resonance, capturing not just the form but the spirit of his subjects. Throughout his career, Noble became known for his masterful portrayals of foxhounds, gundogs, and moorland landscapes, often set within the context of Victorian sporting life. His paintings, such as Otter Hounds (1876), Royal Captives (1888), and Trusty Friends (1890), were celebrated for their balance of anatomical accuracy, atmospheric depth, and narrative sentiment. These qualities made his work a staple at the Royal Academy, where he exhibited regularly from the 1860s until shortly before his death in 1895. Noble’s professional standing was affirmed when he became a member of the Society of British Artists in 1872. He later served on the Society’s council during the presidency of James McNeill Whistler, a testament to the respect he commanded among his peers. His works were widely shown in both London and regional galleries, and he was also associated with the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. While he never achieved the same level of lasting fame as his mentor Landseer, Noble’s paintings have continued to draw admiration from collectors and connoisseurs. His works remain popular in the auction world, valued for their craftsmanship and their nostalgic portrayal of Victorian country life. Paintings like Gundogs with the Day’s Bag and Foxhounds in a Kennel have fetched significant sums, underscoring his enduring appeal. John Sargent Noble died in 1895, but his legacy lives on in the rich detail and quiet dignity of his animal portraits—works that speak to a deep affection for the natural world and a bygone era of British sporting tradition.
  • Creator:
    John Sargent Noble (1848 - 1896, American)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Width: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Stoke, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU446316639212

More From This Seller

View All
Guarding the flock
By Edwin Douglas
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Edwin Douglas (1848-1914) Guarding the flock signed 'ED(in ligature)ouglas' (lower left) Oil on canvas Painting size 24 x 20 in Framed size 29 1/2 x 25 1/2 in Provenance Anonymous s...
Category

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Shepherd's friend
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Robert L. Alexander R.S.A., R.S.W. (1840- 1923) The shepherd's friend signed 'R. ALEXANDER' (lower left) Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 24 x 35 in Framed Size - 31 x 41 in Provenance w...
Category

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Old Guard
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Robert L. Alexander R.S.A., R.S.W. (1840- 1923) The Old Guard signed and dated 'R. ALEXANDER 1889' (lower left) Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 33 x 27 in Framed Size - 42 x 36 in Prove...
Category

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

Brace of Gordon Setters
By James Hardy Jr.
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
James Hardy Jnr (1832-1889) Brace of Gordon Setters Oil on panel Painting size 10 x 14 in Framed size 15 x 19 in James Hardy Jr. (1832-1889): Master of Sporting and Canine Art James...
Category

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Shepherd's Collie
By Edwin Douglas
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Edwin Douglas (1848-1914) The Shepherd's Collie signed with monogram and dated '1877' (lower right) Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 21 x 21 in Framed Size - ...
Category

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

Terriers & King Charles Spaniels
By George Armfield
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
George Armfield (fl.1840-1875) Terriers & King Charles Spaniels Signed 'G. Armfield' lower left Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 10 x 12 in Framed Size - 14 x 16 in George Armfield (180...
Category

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

You May Also Like

Early 20th Century Oil on Board "Dog Tending the Flock" by Sydney Pike
Located in Chicago, IL
This small and wonderful oil painting on posterboard by British artist Sidney Pike (1846-1907) depicts an autumnal landscape with a dog and shepherd tending to a flock of sheep. Posterboard would have been more likely used by artists pushing the boundaries of conventional materials at the time. Sidney Pike was a turn-of-the-century British painter best known for his depictions of the English countryside and livestock. He lived a rather Bohemian lifestyle, traversing from one lodging to another, and made most of his money painting...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

The Farmyard, John Frederick Herring Jr (1795–1865)
By John Frederick Herring Jr
Located in London, GB
"The Farmyard" by John Frederick Herring is a well-known piece by the 19th-century English artist, famous for his depictions of animals and rural scenes. In "The Farmyard," Herring ...
Category

19th Century Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

19th Century landscape oil painting of a shepherd & flock in a country lane
By George Turner
Located in Nr Broadway, Worcestershire
George Turner British, (1843-1910) Near Tonge, Leicestershire Oil on canvas, signed Image size: 15.25 inches x 23.25 inches Size including frame: 22.75 inches x 30.75 inches A cha...
Category

19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

19th Century Large Oil on Canvas of Scottish Highland Sheep and Shepherd
Located in Round Top, TX
Original oil on canvas nature landscape of sheep grazing among hillside heather in Scottish highlands. Unsigned, but in likeness of William II Watson (1847-1921) Canvas shows craquel...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Framed Late 19th Century Oil - Chickens in a Country Landscape
Located in Corsham, GB
A delightful 19th-century oil study depicting a cockerel and hens scratching and feeding on a heap of golden straw. Well presented in a handsome gilt-effect frame with floral ornamen...
Category

Late 19th Century Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

Large English 1880s Painting Depicting Sheep and Chickens in a Barn by W. Topham
By Topham
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large English oil painting depicting three sheep in a barn with chickens from the late 19th century, signed W. Topham and set in a giltwoo...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint