Studio of James Seymour

Lord Methuen (according to an old inscription on the stretcher).

The painting is fresher in tone and the colours are less acidic than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been lined and the paint surface is in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except minor losses to the canvas edges caused by frame abrasion. There is a thin spidery craquelure overall. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals infilling to the craquelure throughout the horse and some more minor infilling in the sky as well as scattered cosmetic retouching. There is also infilling to the craquelure and retouching throughout the darker pigments of the ground as well as some minor more concentrated scattered dots measuring approx. 1 in. however these again appear to be cosmetic instead of structural. Overlal the picture is in good ready to hang condition. Offered in a white painted carved wood William Kent style frame with minor losses.
"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."

Often cited as the first truly great racehorse in the history of thoroughbreds, Flying Childers was a famously undefeated colt by the Darnley Arabian, out of Betty Leedes. Bred in 1714 by Colonel Childers at Carr House, near Doncaster, he was sold to William, 2nd Duke of Devonshire as a yearling and remained in his posession until his death in 1741.

This painting is a version of a picture commissioned by Sir William Jolliffe (1665-1750), sold in these rooms, 3 April 1996, lot 155 (Private Collection).