This 1806 oil by John E Ferneley sold for £7500 at John Nicholson's auction.
The 2ft 9in x 3ft 6in (84cm x 1.06m) study of a gentleman in a black top hat, holding a gun, with his horse and spaniels, had come from a deceased local estate.
Dated 1806, the picture was described by the auction house as a “wonderful early example” and is one of only a clutch to have appeared at auction dated before Ferneley’s formative trip to Ireland in 1808.
Bids on the internet and via three private phones pushed the price beyond the £4000-6000 guide to £7500.
