Original works of art

Born and educated in Liverpool, Ansdell is known for his many dog and animal portraits executed in a tight, academic style. He studied under W.C. Smith, a Chatham portrait painter, and collaborated occasionally with Thomas Creswith, R.A.
Ansdell must certainly be considered one of the finest of all nineteenth century animal artists and by some is compared favorably with Sir Edwin Landseer. While Landseer often imbued his animals with an almost human quality, Ansdell's pictures are much more mater-of-fact, with a great attention to the details of anatomy and coat texture.

He spent much time in the Scottish Highlands where he had a lodge on Loch Laggan. A Sportsman, he particularly enjoyed shooting.

Ansdell was very successful during his lifetime. He was a member of the Liverpool Academy and President from 1837 to 1852. He also exhibited 149 paintings at the Royal Academy between 1840 and 1885. His work is represented in many museum collections, in Europe and America. The American Kennel Club Museum of The Dog and the American Kennel Club both have fine examples of his work.