JOHN FREDERICK HERRING, OIL ON CANVAS, EQUESTRIAN

John Frederick Herring Sr. (British, 1795-1865). "Horses and Goat Eating Turnips and Carrots" -1848, oil on canvas. Signed and dated lower left. Approx. dia 36.5" (frame), 32.25" (canvas).

Provenance: Acquired from Sotheby's in the 1970's from the auction of the collection of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. Note: The late Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge (died in 1973) was known as the favorite niece of oil tycoon John Rockefeller, but she is perhaps even better known for her great love and compassion towards animals. She was an important art collector. She was particularly fond of dogs and horses and frequently showed both.

Note on the artist: John Frederick Herring The Elder was a British painter of the 18th and 19th century famed for his lively depictions of race horses and agricultural scenes. He is widely considered one of the best animal painters of his time alongside other artists focusing on the genre, such as Sir Edwin Landseer. Herring often depicted on equestrian sporting events rendered in warm hues with smooth, sensitive brushstrokes, as well as other farm animals such as cows, ducks, and goats. Born on September 12, 1795 in London, United Kingdom, he was interested in horses from an early age and was employed making inn signs and decorative elements on horse-drawn carriages before making commissioned works for the gentry. In 1845, he was awarded the title of the "Official Animal Painter" of the Duchess of Kent, and was thereafter commissioned by Queen Victoria throughout the rest of his life. His eldest son, John Frederick Herring the Younger, followed in his father's footsteps and became an accomplished animal and sporting painter himself. Today, the senior Herring's works are in the collections of the Tate Gallery in London and the Watford Museum Collection of Fine Art, among others. The artist died on September 23, 1865 in Tonbridge, United Kingdom.
Condition Report: Lined, one area of inpainting 3 x 4 inches at sight edge right of lower center. Patches of green glowing varnish in scattered areas including over signature. Work has been examined under blacklight.