Thomas Earl

Thomas Percy Earl was born in 1874 into the Earl family of sporting and animal painters. His father, George Earl (1824-1908), painted sporting dogs and created a series titled "Champion Dogs of England." His uncle, Thomas Earl (1836-1885), painted horses and dogs and exhibited at the Royal Academy. His half-sister, Maud Earl (1863-1943), painted pure-bred dogs, including those owned by the Royal Family, and her work was reproduced in books and prints. Maud emigrated to America during World War I and died in New York.

Thomas Percy Earl specialized in horse portraiture. His paintings were commissioned primarily by hunting families, which explains why he did not exhibit in public galleries. His work typically included both horses and hounds, distinguishing it from other horse portraitists of the period. The paintings were noted for their composition and natural presentation.

In addition to his painting work, Earl contributed equestrian cartoons to Vanity Fair magazine. This demonstrates his involvement in popular illustration alongside his commissioned artwork. His practice followed the typical pattern for sporting artists of the period, who worked primarily through private commissions rather than public exhibitions.

Thomas Percy Earl died in 1947. His work continued the family specialization in sporting and animal subjects that had been established by previous generations of Earl family artists.