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SUPPORTING BREED EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
THROUGH PHILANTHROPY
This bronze sculpture of an Epagneul Breton at full gallop was created by Dutch sculptor Joep Rooijakkers. Joep, his brother the Honorable Pieter Rooijakkers, and their late father Piet have been involved with the Epagneul Breton for much of the history of the breed. Joep and his family have bred Epagneul Bretons under the De Winde’s kennel name in Holland for two generations. Joep has also exhibited his dogs in shows and field trials, as well as trained and hunted them. Joep’s inspiration to become an artist began with his exposure to the artistic hunting friends of his father when he was a boy. He visited the cabin of Arnold van de Wal who was one of his father’s friends, and many of his artistic images were inspired from that formative experience. Joep developed a great affection for both the dog and the horse, and his creations often represent those, as well as other subjects. The artist began actually producing sculptures from his studio which is located in the village of Meijel in the Netherlands in 2008, with the technical assistance of his sister Ron, and a close neighborhood friend, hunting partner, and famous wildlife artist, Peter Verstappen.
The proper gait and head carriage of an Epagneul Breton at full gallop are a challenge to capture and to accurately portray, and this creation is magnificent in its own unique way. This art piece is produced in bronze. The dog is 10 x 15 cm in size, and is displayed on a (metal) freestone stand which is 5 x 5 cm wide and 50 cm tall. In addition to this creation, the artist has produced other art pieces depicting the Epagneul Breton. Joep also designed the present art logo of the Epagneul Breton Club in his native country, the Netherlands, and has also produced art work for the German Epagneul Breton Club magazine. The artist’s work may be viewed at www.dewindesart.nl.
Featured Art - March 2016
The Epagneul Breton Foundation, Inc., displays artwork in its gallery to inform enthusiasts of the breed about historic and contemporary art and artists. Pieces of art are featured here periodically and then displayed in the online gallery.
Please contact us to suggest or submit additional items for display.
Photo by Nel Barenddregt
The Running Epagneul Breton
