Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S. (1878-1959)

The 1920s were a particularly productive period for Munnings. His success had been acknowledged with commissions from major patrons and his pictures were selling for record prices at exhibition. Whilst firmly established as a society painter the artist maintained a love of subjects of his own choosing, such as the present work.

A racing aficionado, Munnings was a regular at race meetings. Inspired as much by the serene but business-like atmosphere in the paddocks as the explosive energy of the start, Munnings often focused on the preparations before a race, as in the present work, where he captures the moment of calm concentration prior to the race where the jockeys and grooms prepare their horses. The variety of brushwork he uses astutely captures the chestnut trees with their blossoms, providing a backdrop for the composed action in the centre of the picture plane. Flashes of bright red and yellow emphasise the elements of the composition with the skillful placing of the horses, jockeys and grooms.

This work will be included in Lorian Peralta-Ramos' forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the works of Sir Alfred Munnings.