Unusual English Naïve School Equestrian Portrait

Depicting a Chestnut Stallion in a Landscape with a Handler and Dog
Oils on Canvas in Historic Egg and Dart Carved and Moulded Frame
English, c.1850

30.5" high x 38.25" wide (framed)

Of good large scale, this nineteenth century equestrian portrait depicts a handsome chestnut stallion standing four-square, in a stylised landscape, with his head turned to the viewer and with raised tail. The handler or groom is wearing a flat cap above a white coat, waistcoat, breeches, gaiters, and black shoes. He is holding a bentwood bowl or sieve under his left arm and carrying a bridle in his right hand, with his pet dog by his feet and a group of four haystacks beyond. The suggestion is that the bridle is about to be put on and the bowl contains "treats" to make the horse compliant. This is an unusual composition for an naïve agricultural painting from the British sporting tradition, which has a unique individual character about it. the painting was an "attic find" and has been cleaned and fully professionally conserved and restored by the Bernardi Studio in London.  The colours are strong and there is some unusually fine detailing to the stallion's coat and the groom's clothes. The scale is impressive and the antique frame is probably original to the work, lending it an air of "importance" which suggests it was painted on commission for the proud owner handler. 

Ref: 11855