Percival Leonard Rosseau

(American, 1859-1937)

Rosseau's Ned and Bob, 1923

oil on canvas laid to board

signed Rosseau and dated (lower left); titled (verso)

26 x 50 inches.

Property from a Private Collection

This lot is located in Denver.

Percival Leonard Rosseau was born in 1859 in Pointe Coupée Parish, Louisiana, and rose to prominence as one of America’s most accomplished painters of sporting dogs. Though his formal art education did not begin until he was in his 40s, Rosseau trained at the prestigious Académie Julian in Paris, where he absorbed the techniques of the French academic and realist traditions. While in Europe, he exhibited his artwork at the Paris Salon, gaining recognition for his finely detailed animal portraits. Upon returning to the United States, Rosseau focused his talents on painting hunting dogs, which earned him a distinguished place in American sporting art. His work appealed to both art collectors and hunting enthusiasts, and he became a favorite among wealthy patrons who admired both his technical skill and his passion for the subject.

Rosseau’s paintings stand out for their lifelike depiction of dogs in natural outdoor settings, often caught in moments of poised intensity or action during the hunt. His ability to render fur, muscle, and movement with striking realism was matched by an attentiveness to mood and atmosphere – misty woods, autumn fields, or soft twilight skies. More than just portraits, his paintings capture the noble spirit and athleticism of these animals, presenting them with a dignity that resonates with sportsmen and animal lovers alike. Rosseau’s deep understanding of his subjects and his painterly finesse helped elevate hunting dog imagery from illustration to high art.

Percival Leonard Rosseau (American, 1859-1937)

Rosseau's Ned and Bob, 1923