Bringing Home the Deer
Charles Jones was a skilled painter known especially for his scenic landscape paintings with animals such as sheep, cows and deer. His fondness for this, and his skilful and realistic portrayal of the animals, made him affectionately known as ‘Sheep Jones’.
This is one of his most important works. It depicts a hunting party pursuing deer in 19th century Scotland. Hunting was a popular pastime and this shows a scene after successful kills. His works depicting Scottish landscapes were recognised by him being elected a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy.
Charles Jones was born near Cardiff but spent most of his career in London. Early experiences helped his expertise in animals: aged 21 he lived in a farmhouse in Berkshire, where he painted animals on the farm. He spent some time at a friend’s stud farm and gained experience in drawing horses, plus a good understanding of anatomy. Jones exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1860 and 1891.
