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Cleveland bays

Cleveland bays
 1852

Medium
oil on canvas
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1947
Gallery location
18th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
 

About this work

Before the advent of photography, sport and animal painting were extremely popular in Britain, and in his day, John Herring Sr was the most outstanding artist practising this genre. In Cleveland bays he captures the spirit and personality of two working horses; the central figure has a particularly commanding presence, exuding strength and vigour. Although untethered, it stands still, demonstrating great discipline, a quality much admired in a working horse. Cleveland bays were bred mainly for working in harness, although some were saddled as they were powerful jumpers.

Artwork Details

Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
86.5 × 111.4 cm
Inscription
inscribed in brown paint c.l.: J. F. Herring Sen. r / . / 1852.
Accession Number
1741A-4
Department
International Painting
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1947
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Gallery location
18th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
Subjects (general)
Animals
Subjects (specific)
bits (bridle components) blinders (animal equipment) bridles dog (species) halters (animal equipment) hay (material) horse (species) stables (animal housing)
Frame
Reproduction, 2009, based on a frame by William Spencer, London, 1864

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