John Nost Sartorius

Field Marshal Thomas Grosvenor (1764–1851);
By whom given to General Everard William Bouverie (1789–1871), Delapré Abbey, Northamptonshire;
Charlotte née O'Donel, his widow;
By whom given to E.P. Bouverie, possibly Edward Pleydell-Bouverie (1818–1889), East Lavington Manor, in 1872;
Frederic Glyn, 4th Lord Wolverton (1864–1932), Queensberry House, Newmarket;
By descent to the Clarendon Family.

The canvas has a firm relining, somewhat flattening the paint surface, which is slightly dirty with a discoloured varnish. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an opaque, milky varnish, beneath which it is difficult to discern any intervention, other than an area of retouching on the left margin, just below centre, measuring approx. 5 by 3 cm., and two small patches of retouching to the right of the horse's hind legs. There is possibly an area of strengthening, from a different campaign of restoration, along the centre right margin, measuring approx. 7 by 3 cm. In overall good condition.
"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."

Field Marshall Thomas Grosvenor, who originally commissioned this picture, was 'one of the most staunch and honourable patrons of the national sport of horseracing,¹ as well as a keen huntsman and rider to hounds. From about 1820 he rented a house at Loughton on the edge of Epping Forest called The Warren, on the London road to Newmarket, where he kept horses and laid a track in the grounds for their exercise. He also kennelled hounds at The Warren, and after 1805 it is said he named both his dogs and his hunters after ships that had served at Trafalgar. To this day an obelisk still stands at the house in memory of his favourite charger, Lady Caroline, thought to have been the dame of Copenhagen, ridden by the Duke of Wellington's at Waterloo.  

1. Gentleman's Magazine, 1851, pt I, pp. 312-313.