Antique English Watercolor c. 1850

With a fondness for recreation and leisure activities, the Victorians were quite the sporting bunch. Sport played an important role in society and in many people’s lives. The practice of equestrian and related estate activities (including fox hunting, riding and horse breeding) was usually only available to the wealthy and perceived as an expression of social status. It comes as no surprise that horses and horse-related subject matter were reflected in the art of the day.

A classic watercolor of a Victorian scene has been rendered on paper. With color still bright and crisp, a gentleman dressed in proper riding attire leans against the brick wall of a blacksmith’s shop. He patiently awaits the shoeing of his horse as a smith and his helper attend to the task. In front a seated dog is staring at the workers as the young daughter of the blacksmith clutching a puppy in her arms scans the foreground. Hues and tones of chestnut, brick-red, cream, and blue remain true and clearly convey the emotions of the composition. An antique wooden frame of bird’s eye maple has been cut down to fit the watercolor. Gilded wooden molding secures the piece to the frame and the watercolor is protected by a sheet of early glass.

Including frame measures 12-3/16 in length by 9-3/4 inches in height (31.5 cm by 21.8 cm); the watercolor itself is 8-1/2 inches long by 5-13/16 inches high (21.5 cm long by 15 cm high). Condition is every good; a few speckles of possible foxing on white horse; early glass has a few small bubbles. Some varnish inconsistencies on the frame. Circa 1850 and English in origin.