"Study of a Pointer Running"
Léon Espinasse (French, c. 1870 to 20th century)
Watercolor
Signed on right 
15 x 11 1/2 (28 1/4 x 23 1/2 frame) inches
 
A stunning exercise in complete control of his medium, Léon Espinasse powers of observation and execution are astonishing. The basset hound is fully realized and carefully depicted with warmth and vivaciousness. 
 
Born around 1870 in Paris, Léon Espinasse was a painter of animalier and still-lifes. Léon Espinasse was a pupil of Jules Lefebvre and Benjamin-Constant, 
 
He first exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1896.  He painted his subjects and still-lifes against mainly neutral backgrounds and without unnecessary details focusing his immense talent on the subject for the maximum effect. 

Benezit Dictionary of Artists