Samuel Howitt 1756-1822. Charming watercolour study of two dogs. Signed lower right. Executed on Whatman type wove paper, laid to backing sheet, some timestaining to no real detriment. Dateable to Circa. 1790. 36.5 by 35.5 cms.
A country gentleman from Chigwell, Howitt became a professional artist only because of his financial difficulties. He first exhibited in 1783 and his subjects are almost always drawn from country and sporting life. His style is very clearly influenced by Thomas Rowlandson who's sister he married.