On the Scent by Eugéne Petit

On the Scent
Eugène Petit (French, 1839–1933)
Oil on Canvas
21 x 25 in.

This captivating painting depicts two English setters keenly focused as they track a scent through an autumnal landscape. The dogs’ elegant forms and alert postures are rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing their natural beauty and purpose. The golden hues of the grasses and vibrant foliage create a striking contrast to the dogs' coats, while the rolling hills and dramatic sky in the background add depth and a sense of serenity.

Eugène Petit, a French artist celebrated for his animal paintings, is best known for his evocative depictions of hunting dogs. His works capture the essence of his subjects with lifelike precision and an eye for movement and emotion. Petit's mastery of oil painting brought him recognition during his lifetime, and his art remains admired for its technical brilliance and timeless appeal.