This pair of original antique equestrian paintings was purchased from an estate in Dublin, Ireland and attributed to Samuel Spode (b. 1798 d. 1858) by Sheppard’s Auction House. Spode specialized in equestrian subjects, painting many famous sporting horses such as Harkaway and Birdcatcher. Originally from Great Britain, he travelled to Ireland in 1836 to begin a long career painting thoroughbreds. 

 Attributed to Samuel Spode by Sheppard’s Auction House in Dublin

Medium: oil on linen

Size of support:  18” x 24” Outside size of frame: 20 3/4” x 26 1/2”

Period of creation: c. 1836-1850

Condition notes

Painting A: Stretcher is in excellent condition, some keys missing and replaced. The tacking edge was brittle and split, so the painting is freshly lined with Belgian linen and BEVA film. Frame impressions along top, possibly caused by a rabbet resting on the surface when the paint was still fresh. Age related craquelure, but stable. Painting surface clean, fresh varnish, fleck inpaint. Note that the white flecks on this horse’s back are the original paint and portray the unique markings of this particular thoroughbred.

Painting B: Stretcher in good condition, all keys present and keyed out. Original unlined linen, still strong. Gesso layer shows signs of heat blistering, mostly noticeable in a raking light, and likely from it hanging over a fireplace at some point. Age and heat related craquelure, but stable. Areas of inpaint throughout.

High auction result: $53,125 Sotheby’s New York 9/25/2012