The present picture, traditionally thought to be by John Wootton is now no longer believed to be by his hand. Perhaps dating from the second half of the 18th Century, it has been suggested that elements of the picture show similarities with the work of Stephen Elmer but no firm attribution seems satisfactory at present.

The name Davison on the dog's collar refers to the family of that name, of Beamish Hall. The estate passed from the Davisons through the Eden family to Slingsby Duncombe Shafto in 1904.