This classic fox hunt scene was painted by British artist Benjamin Herring Jr. (b. 1830 d. 1871). His father was J. F. Herring, who is regarded as the most famous painter of 19th century equestrian art. The Herring family produced several famous artists of this genre, and Benjamin Herring Jr. could have very likely surpassed his father’s talents if it weren’t for his untimely death.  He was the youngest of six children, and like the rest of his siblings received training from his father. Although his subject manner was much like the rest of his family, his techniques produced subjects that had more fluid and dynamic poses, and his color palette was generally higher in value. 
He had works exhibited in the British Institution and the Royal Society of British Artists.

Signed B. Herring in lower right corner

Medium: oil on linen canvas

Size of stretcher: 14 1/4” x 24 3/16” Size of outside frame: 24” x 34”

Year of creation: 1860-1870

Condition notes: Paint surface freshly cleaned, new varnish applied. The painting has a wax lining (relatively recent - last 30 years) that repaired several small punctures in the original linen. The original stretchers are in excellent condition, with all original keys present. The linen is taut, several small losses are appropriately filled and inpainted.  Linen, ground, paint layers all stable and present well. The original frame is stable, with some age related losses that are inpainted. 

High Auction Result: Christie’s, 5/23/2008 $162,235