Lot Essay
Originally thought to depict the Boat Race of 1880, this painting is now considered to show the race of 1879, when Cambridge won by three lengths on the Middlesex side of the river. It has been suggested that their boat, with its light blue oars, is seen leading Oxford in dark blue, on the approach to the finish line at Chiswick Bridge. The banks are seen crowded with supporters, cheering their crew on. In 1880 the race was postponed from Saturday until the following Monday owing to fog, and the crowds were subsequently fewer. In that year Oxford won.
James Macbeth was primarily a painter of Scottish landscape, although he occasionally painted portraits. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, Suffolk Street, New Watercolour Society and the Grosvenor Gallery.
We are grateful to John Shore for his help in preparing this entry.
James Macbeth was primarily a painter of Scottish landscape, although he occasionally painted portraits. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, Suffolk Street, New Watercolour Society and the Grosvenor Gallery.
We are grateful to John Shore for his help in preparing this entry.