On the Downs by Scottish painter George Armour (1864–1949) depicts what appears to be a hunting scene featuring two men on horseback. One ascends the side of a hill, while the other has already reached the summit, both seemingly on the lookout for something. They are surrounded by a pack of beagles, a dog breed traditionally used for beagling - the hunting of rabbits or hares. The palette is soft and muted, with pastel-like tones: a sandy beige ground dotted with sparse bushes and a tranquil blue sky in the background. What draws the eye are the men’s black hats and their striking blue-green jackets. Armour, who initially trained as an animal painter, is best remembered today for his sporting illustrations. This work, created with watercolour and bodycolour on linen, exemplifies his skill in effortlessly capturing such scenes.

George Denholm Armour OBE, 1864-1949

Born in Lanarkshire, the son of a cotton broker, Armour trained in Edinburgh, at the Trustees' Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy's Life Class, from 1880 to about 1888. He began his career as an animal painter, and an early influence was Robert Alexander, who took him on his first visit to Tangier in 1885. However, Armour is today remembered for his sporting illustrations for Punch, Tatler and The Graphic - he had a talent for humorous observation - and his hunting scenes. He was a lifelong friend of Joseph Crawhall, who had a strong influence on his work. Both men loved horses and hunting.