catalog text
"A BAY RACEHORSE IN A STABLE" BY JAMES LODER OF BATH (ENGLISH, 1784-1860)
Signed lower right "J. Loder Pinx, Bath, 1832", in oil on canvas
Item # C104001
A fine equestrian scene of a handsome brown racehorse depicted in a well-lit stable interior, the lighting of the scene is particularly interesting with shadows cast behind the proud animal translucent against the golden hay before ghosting against the austere barn walls. The work is signed in script lower right in the typical well-detailed hand of Loder, reading "J. Loder Pinx / Bath / 1832".
Known as James Loder of Bath, James was born in 1784 and specialized in sporting scenes including equestrian subjects and hunting dogs. He was active as an artist from 1820 through 1857 and was a popular artist during his day, despite not exhibiting in London. His work has been well-sought after and was almost always of a very high quality. A selection of his work was also executed in aquatint by G. Hunt.
Artist Listings:
- See Armagh County Museum, Ireland, acc. no. ARMCM.154.1958 for very similar example by James Loder of Bath dated 1831
- E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. VIII, Gründ, 2006, 1163-64
- Dictionary of British Art, Vol. IV: Victorian Painters, Christopher Wood, 1995, p. 321
- A Dictionary of British Sporting Painters, Sydney Pavière p. 59
- Popular 19th Century Painting, Hook & Poltimore, p. 372
Provenance:
- A Virginia collector, acquired from Christies, London, Sale 9971, Lot 70
Measurements: 25 1/8" H x 30" W [canvas]; 30 7/8" H x 35 3/4" W x 2 1/8" D [frame]
Condition Report:
Housed in a fine contemporary giltwood frame. Under UV showing flaring varnish from being cleaned, no observed restoration though surface is somewhat obscured. In very fine presentation-ready condition.