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拍品專文
THE DESIGN OF THE CUP
The refined neo-classical design of this cup, with its finely detailed ornament, can be attributed to the neo-classical architect Robert Adam. It can be closely compared to the Richmond Race Cups of 1764 and 1766, both also by Daniel Smith and Robert Sharp, maker of the present lot. The 1764 cup is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the second of 1766, also won by Lord Rockingham, was sold in the Wentworth sale, Christie's London 8 July 1998, lot 15. Adam's design for these Richmond Race Cups was prepared for Thomas Dundas and is preserved with many other Adam designs in the Sir John Soane Museum, London. There are also distinct parallels with another drawing prepared by Adam. Drawn for Sir Nathaniel Curzon at Kedleston Hall, it was reproduced in M. Snodin, 'Adam Silver Reassessed', Apollo Magazine, 1997, p. 19. The basic vase-form, with a spool-shaped cover, is embellished with roundels hung from swags as with the present cup. The rim also has an 'antique' style plaque of running horses, however, the lower part of the body is chased with flutes rather than acanthus foliage.
THE STEWARDS
William, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam (1748-1833) was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1795. He married twice, firstly Lady Charlotte Ponsonby (d.1822), second daughter of the Earl of Bessborough, in 1770, and secondly Louisa (d.1824), widow of 1st Baron Ponsonby and daughter of 3rd Viscount Molesworth, in 1823. His mother was Lady Anne Watson-Wentworth, daughter of Thomas, 1st Marquess of Rockingham. Lord Fitzwilliam was the nephew of Charles, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, owner of the winning horse. He subsequently succeeded to his uncle's estates in 1782.
H. H. Fane is probably Henry Hopkins Fane (b.c.1750-1809), of Whitby and Howsham who married Catherine Chomley in 1774. He later assumed the name of Chomley and left on his death in 1809 five daughters and an only son, George Chomley.
THE RACE
The Doncaster Cup is the oldest true race which has been held continually since its inception. The course in 1778 was run on 23 September over four miles with a field of only three horses. Sir Harry Harpur's Pilot started as favourite at 3 to 1 on, with Phocion at 5 to 1. In fact Pilot came third, behind Fortune second, and Phocion first. Phocion, a bay colt, was by Sampson, out of Emma by the Godolphin Arabian and was foaled in 1770. He had a long career and raced until 10 years old when known as 'Old Phocion'.