John Frederick Herring Snr 1795-1865

Purchased from Richard Green in 1973 by the present owners

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined and the structure is sound. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good condition with some minor craquelure to the sky and scattered patches elsewhere. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals a few cosmetic spots of retouching to the stable wall, upper right and upper left; a small area to the horse's neck and a few further spots in the foreground. CONCLUSION The work is in good condition with rich colours and ready to hang.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This fine work was painted in 1848, just a few years after Herring had received the honour of being appointed Animal Painter to H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent.  The composition is sophisticated and elegant, and is a marked departure from his famous series of Derby and St Leger winners which won him such praise as a horse painter in the early stages of his career.  Herring clearly felt the need to appeal to a broader base of horse and sporting enthusiast, and from his exhibits at the Royal Academy and the British Institution it is clear that he was keen to diversify his subject matter.  At the Royal Academy in 1845 he exhibited Favourites (no.670) and at the British Institution in 1847 he exhibited A Straw Yard (no.146) and A Frugal Meal (no.259).  This move was to be followed in the years to come with a strong emphasis on farmyard scenes and genre compositions.