1856–1924
Alfred William Strutt was a British artist born in New Zealand in 1856 into a family with deep artistic roots. He was the son of the accomplished painter William Strutt, whose influence proved pivotal in shaping the young artist’s early development. Alfred received his first artistic instruction from his father before continuing his studies at the South Kensington Schools in London, one of the leading institutions of its time for applied and fine arts education.
While Strutt painted a variety of subjects, ranging from genre scenes to historical tableaux, it is his keen observation of animals—particularly dogs and horses—that cemented his legacy in the art world. He became especially renowned for his depictions of dogs in moments of rest, motion, and interaction with humans and other animals. His work captured both the elegance and the working essence of British dog breeds, especially sporting and hunting dogs, in a way that was both anatomically precise and emotionally resonant.
Strutt’s talent did not go unrecognized. He exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy and was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists in 1888. The following year, he became an Associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, an acknowledgment of his skill in both painting and printmaking. Many of his works were later reproduced as steel engravings, often in limited and signed editions, helping to broaden his appeal and preserve his legacy in the homes of Victorian Britain.
Throughout his career, Strutt exhibited at major venues including the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, the London Salon, and the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts. His paintings also found favor in the provinces, particularly at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. Today, his works are held in various British public collections and continue to be appreciated for their charming realism and narrative strength.
Though less remembered in popular culture than some of his contemporaries, Strutt holds a special place among those who cherish the intersection of animal portraiture and genre painting. His dogs are not mere accessories to human activity, but characters in their own right—alert, expressive, and utterly alive.
