Dean Wolstenholme, Snr. Paintings

Dean Wolstenholme, Snr., also known as Dean Wolstenholme the Elder, was an English artist born in 1757. He was primarily known for his works as a sporting painter, focusing on scenes of hunting, angling, and other country pursuits. Wolstenholme was self-taught and began his career as a farmer before fully dedicating himself to painting. His passion for the countryside and rural sports greatly influenced his art, and he captured the essence of Georgian England's sporting life with vivid detail and authenticity.

Wolstenholme did not start his artistic career until later in life, which was after he had already established himself as a farmer. His transition to painting was driven by a combination of passion and necessity, possibly due to agricultural difficulties during his time. Despite the late start, he quickly gained recognition for his work, which often featured landscapes and scenes exhibiting the beauty and vigor of English rural life.

His works were widely appreciated for their lively composition and accurate portrayal of different sporting events. Wolstenholme's attention to detail in depicting animals and landscapes earned him a respectable position among the sporting artists of his time. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and also at the British Institution.

Dean Wolstenholme, Snr. died in 1837, leaving behind a legacy of work that is celebrated for its contribution to British sporting art. His son, Dean Wolstenholme the Younger, also became a painter, continuing the tradition of painting sporting scenes and preserving the family's artistic reputation. Today, Wolstenholme’s works are considered important in the study of British art history, particularly in the genre of sporting paintings, and they can be found in various art collections and museums.