John Frederick Herring Sr.

Arthur Ackerman & Son, London
Property of a Nobleman (and sold, Christie's, London, July 19, 1985, lot 21, illustrated
The Household International Corporation Collection (and sold, Sotheby's, New York, December 1, 1998, lot 20, illustrated)
Richard Green, London
Acquired from the above in 2000

London, Richard Green, Sporting Paintings, 1999, no. 24

The Connoisseur, 1959, vol. 159, p. 38

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This work is in particularly good condition. The canvas has an English glue lining, which is nicely stabilizing the paint layer. There do not appear to be any retouches at all in the landscape, animals or figures, which is quite remarkable. There is one spot of retouching in the center of the lower sky. A diagonal scratch about 2 inches long has been retouched in the upper right, and a few small losses across the top edge have received retouches. The work should be hung as is.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Because hunting subjects were rare for John Frederick Herring Sr. and were often completed in a small format, The Meet of the East Suffolk Hounds at Chippenham Park is an impressive example of his skill for transcribing the spirited and venerable sport of hunting, as well as the lush rolling countrysides in which it takes place.  Although many critics questioned whether or not Herring was a huntsman himself, Herring scholar Oliver Beckett notes that "surely the accuracy and vivacity of his hunting pictures...belies this criticism" (Oliver Beckett, J. F. Herring & Sons, London, 1981, p. 48), and in works such as the present, he expertly pays homage to the sport's long-standing tradition.  

In this dynamic composition set in Chippenham Park under stormy skies, a host of huntsman are gathered, including George Mure, one of the pioneers of the Suffolk Hunt, which was founded by the Dukes of Grafton at Euston. He was Master of Foxhounds from 1825 until 1845, during which time his hounds, kennelled at Herringswell, hunted with great success.  Also depicted are the huntsman, Will Rose, and the whip, Sam Hibbs, who in 1845 was promoted to huntsman and held this position until his death.