Lot 8
8
William Williams* (British, 18th Century)
William Williams* (British, 18th Century)

The Hon. Richard Vernon's Tortoise with Jockey Up at Newmarket

Details
William Williams* (British, 18th Century)
The Hon. Richard Vernon's Tortoise with Jockey Up at Newmarket
signed and dated 'W Williams/P 1769' (lower left)
oil on canvas
25 x 29 in. (63.5 x 75.6 cm.)
Provenance
Jeremy Tree
with Arthur Ackermann & Son, London (acquired by Mr. Evans 4 April 1974)
Literature
S. Mitchell, The Dictionary of British Equestrian Artists, Woodbridge, 1985, p. 462, illustrated

Lot Essay

Bred by William Crofts, Tortoise was by Old Snap out of a Shepherds Crab mare. He won several races including a 100 Gunineas Match race at Newmarket in 1767, before being sold to the Hon. Richard Vernon for whom he won the 1768 King's Plate at the October Meeting at Newmarket. He was subsequently sold to Peregrine Wentworth. Interestingly, the silks worn by the jockey are those of Henry Vernon, Richard Vernon's nephew, who may have commissioned this painting depicting his own silks, instead of his uncle's.