Charles Henry Schwanfelder (1774-1837)

John Spence clearing the last hurdle

细节

Charles Henry Schwanfelder (1774-1837)
John Spence clearing the last hurdle
signed and dated 'CHS[in monogram]chwanfelder/1817' (lower left)
oil on canvas
44 x 56 in. (111.7 x 143.5 cm.)
in a mid 18th Century carved and gilded frame

来源

Purchased from Arthur Ackermann & Son Ltd., London.

出版

D. Livingstone-Learmonth, The Horse in Art, London, 1959, pl. 55.

拍品专文

In 1810 John Spence riding his mare Fugitive won the first recorded steeplechase over a marked course with purpose built fences in Bedford. It is generally considered that the earliest hurdle race was run in 1821 although George, Prince of Wales, Mrs. Fitzwalter and a number of Dragoons are said to have raced over sheep hurdles for fun in Brighton around 1808. Dated 1817, this picture is therefore the earliest known record of a hurdle race over a marked course.