THE DURHAM OX, BY T. WHESSEL

Details

AFTER J. BOULTBEE
THE DURHAM OX, BY T. WHESSEL
engraving, published by John Day, 1802, unframed
22 x 25½ in. (55.8 x 64.8 cm.);
together with Adonis after James Ward R.A., published 1824; and an engraving of Capercaillie after Edward Lear; Burns four pets after T.Clater; The Chalybeate Well at Harrogate by I.R. Smith; John Howard Esq. after Francis Wheatley
six in the lot (6)

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The Durham Ox was bred by Charles and Robert Colling near Darlington in 1796, at a time when the popularity to compete in agricultural shows to breed large animals was at its peak. The Durham Ox achieved notoriety due to its extreme size. It was five foot tall and weighed over two hundred stone. It was bought by a gentleman, John Day, and exhibited throughout the country in a specially designed carriage. Paintings of livestock were commissioned by proud breeders to impress others and the famous ox was no exception. A print of the giant beast, produced in 1802 by John Boultbee, sold two thousand within a year and was hung in homes, inns and coaching houses celebrating the beast.

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