An antique American painting with a story, what could be more intriguing? This oil on canvas, 36 inches by 22 inches, 47 inches by 33 inches framed, dates from the late 19th century. It has been relined that is still on its original stretcher bars. It is presented in a pine frame with an antique patina recently made for it. It is well painted bya trained hand and is signed "Geo. Rathbone N...". The last part of the signature appears to have been secured by past damage. It has been slightly restored (involving less than one percent of its surface). This scene is of a hunter who appears to be a "dude" of sorts in city dress and of a young boy who appears to be his guide and master of a pair of hunting dogs. The boy is attempting to hold the dogs on point while his client reloads. In the distance can be seen an adult male figure and another dog in silhouette. This is probably the boy's father, owner of the land, overseer of the hunting on it and perhaps commissioner of the painting. Note the drama between the dogs in the foreground, one questioning the other, the one most in the foreground is the one who first struck point and dominates the situation. This is a wonderful and rare American oil painting.