A fallow deer leaping across a field in a landscape

A similar composition by Towne, of larger format (19¼ x 26½ in.) and on canvas, showing a fallow deer, this time pursued by dogs, is in the collection of The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (see British Sporting Painting 1650-1850, catalogue to the exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, London and Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, 1975, no. 120, illustrated p. 81). It is thought that the latter picture was the one exhibited at the Liverpool Academy in 1812 as 'Fallow Deer and Dogs: 'But alas he flies in vain'. This composition and the one in the Walker Art Gallery are rare examples of Towne working in the grand manner, imitating the great hunting pictures of the 17th Century.