John Vine of Colchester, (Foot painter, 1809-1867) - Oil on canvas - Primitive study of a black bull in a stable, signed 'VINE PINX'T' in red lower right, 39.2cm x 59.5cm, (relined), in later gilt frame

For a very similar example, see Reeman Dansie, 24th September 2019, lot 1123.

See also same Salerooms 9th April 2019, lot 1055, for a painting sold with accompanying note "The painting was done by a Mr Vine of Colchester who had no hands or arms, and I was told he used his brush with his feet."

Literature: See Scantlebury, Hugh: 'John Vine of Colchester, An account of the Life and Times of an Essex Livestock Painter' 2008.

Vine started life as a fair ground curiosity. He worked under great physical difficulty but was still quite prolific in his output. Largely self-taught as an animal painter, he exhibited at the Society of British Artists in Grosvenor Square. His patrons included The Royal Agricultural Society, Lord Weston and Lady Foley and Lord Rendlesham, even winning approval from the Duke of Marlborough who had occasion to praise "an excellent picture by one labouring under such disadvantages".

He settled in Colchester about 1830.