Confidence; and Disappointment

Described in his obituary in the Illustrated London News as ‘Gentle in manner, amicable in disposition’, over James Ward’s long and illustrious career his subjects ranged from portraits to animals, sporting scenes, landscapes, allegory and history painting. Ward excelled in his depictions of animals, and often painted horses, although he rarely treated racing subjects – indeed these works are believed to be unique. Painted in 1841, these panels formed part of a series of twenty works depicting horses’ moods.