Next week's Sporting & Ornithological Pictures sale at Bonhams Knightsbridge holds an exciting selection for enthusiasts of the genre. Works by Thorburn, Turner, Wheelwright, Munnings and Landseer will go under the hammer on 27 July 2005 in Montpelier Street.

Pictured right: J. Turner (British, fl.1872) Rough shooting with two pointers, 110.7 x 85.2 cm (39 5/8 x 33 1/2 in)
Estimate: £8,000 - 12,000

Of great beauty, and particular interest, is a chalk sketch by Sir Edwin Landseer (1802 - 1873). The 'Study of a Dead Stag' demonstrates the sensitive handling and sentimental treatment of his subjects, yet at once capturing the character and gravity of such animals. Landseer, a favourite artist of Queen Victoria, is now acknowledged as one of Britain's most important artists of the 19th century. He created one of London's most famous sights, the lions which flank Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. His handling of death in this sketch complements the expertise demonstrated in his works in oil on canvas, such as the well-known 'The Dying Stag.'

A grand painting by J. Turner signed and dated 1867 will doubtless appeal to those fond of dogs and game shooting. 'Rough shooting with two pointers' is estimated at £8,000 - 12,000 and displays a country gentlemen in hunting clothes holding a rifle, his two loyal pointers at his feet. He emerges from an autumnal forest, the countryside stretching out far behind him, and lifts a hand to indicate that he has spied a potential shot.

The sale's top lots are several fine watercolours by Archibald Thorburn (1860 - 1935): Black Game Disturbed (1882); Red Grouse in Flight and Grey Partridge in Flight (both 1901), each of which is expected to fetch around £18,000. These works are particularly notable since they come in their original frames and continue to display a bold colour, dating from a time when Thorburn's skill was at its height.

With prices starting in the low hundreds, this 166 lot-strong sale has something to offer all lovers of sporting art. Viewing will take place from Sunday 24 July at Bonhams, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge.

For more details visit the Bonhams web site.