Steven Spurrier was an illustrator working for magazines such as The Graphic, Illustrated London News and the Radio Times. His paintings were also exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1913 onwards. Some of his most memorable works are those with circus themes and subjects which recall the dynamic compositions of Degas' circus works produced in Paris toward the end of the 19th century. Spurrier was initially trained as an apprentice to his father, John Walter Spurrier, an eminent silversmith, who is shown here seated, possibly returning from a hunt.