Painting Racehorse Spion Kop Winner Derby Stakes Frederick Albert Clarke C1920





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Description


Important Antique English 1920 Oil Painting – Racehorse “Spion Kop” Derby Winner – Signed Frederick Albert Clark

Subject & Medium
This is an original early 20th-century oil on canvas equestrian portrait by the English sporting artist Frederick Albert Clark, dated 1920. The subject is Spion Kop, the chestnut colt who famously won the 1920 Epsom Derby.
Clark was renowned for his ability to portray horses not simply as animals, but as individuals with presence and character. Here, Spion Kop is captured with attentive ears, bright alert eyes, and a muscular stance that conveys both his athletic power and noble temperament.
The medium of oil on canvas allows for richness in tonal gradation: warm browns and reds dominate the horse’s coat, contrasted by cooler greys, creams, and greens in the architectural setting. This balance of warm and cool tones ensures the horse remains the commanding focus of the composition.

Composition & Technique
The scene is set outside the stable yard, with Spion Kop positioned slightly left of centre, facing inward toward the viewer’s gaze.
Foreground: The compacted earthen ground is depicted with earthy browns and ochres, layered with broken brushstrokes to create texture and depth. A soft shadow cast by the horse anchors him convincingly to the ground.
Horse: The artist employs a blended yet vigorous brushstroke on the body to capture the sheen of the chestnut coat, while finer detailing defines the facial features, mane, and musculature. Highlights around the flank, shoulder, and haunches give dimension. The eyes are keenly observed, lending intimacy and individuality.
Stable: To the left, a stable door stands ajar with a folded blanket draped over it. The wood is rendered with broader strokes, contrasting with the refinement of the horse itself.
Background: A tall wall capped with a stone sphere rises behind, with loose dabs of foliage peeking over and a bright summer sky with soft, feathered clouds.
Palette & Mood: Warm siennas, chestnut reds, and ochres harmonise with cooler greys, creams, and muted greens, heightening the horse’s vibrancy.
Clark’s combination of precise draughtsmanship and looser atmospheric handling makes the work both faithful likeness and romanticised portrait. The painting radiates quiet triumph — the proud repose of a champion.

History of the Racehorse
Spion Kop (1917–1941) was owned and bred by Major Giles Loder and trained by Peter Gilpin. On 2 June 1920, he won the 141st Epsom Derby, ridden by American jockey Frank O’Neill.
On a sweltering summer’s day before a crowd of 250,000 spectators, including the King and Queen, Spion Kop surged from the rear to victory, beating Archaic and Orpheus in a new race record time of 2:34.8.
His Derby triumph remains one of the most dramatic in racing history. After retirement, Spion Kop stood at stud, siring notable winners, and died in 1941.

The Artist – Frederick Albert Clark (1869–1954)
Born in Islington in 1869, Clark belonged to the celebrated Clark family of animal artists. His father Albert Clark (1843–1928) and grandfather James Clark (1812–1909) were both renowned equine painters, while his brother William Albert Clark (1880–1963) also followed the tradition.
Though christened Albert, he signed as Frederick Albert Clark to avoid confusion with his father. By the age of 21, he had established himself professionally in London, specialising in equine and canine portraiture. His works are now recognised worldwide in collections, galleries, and auctions.

Signature
Signed lower right in red: “Frederick Albert Clark 1920.”

Framed
Presented in its original gilt-wood frame with classical moulding. Hanging wire attached for immediate display.

Dimensions framed
Frame: 63.5 cm high × 72 cm wide × 3.75 cm deep

Provenance
Original paper label verso: “Frederick Albert Clark – Spion Kop Winner of the Derby Stakes 1920 – Oil on canvas – signed and dated.”
Inscription verso: “Marie G. Loder’s Spion Kop Winner of the 1920 Derby Stakes, ridden by F. O’Neill.”
This painting was also offered through the notable British auction house Sworders, renowned for handling fine sporting and equestrian art. It is now curated and presented for sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, specialists in significant and investment-quality artworks.
Together, these details provide a compelling provenance linking the piece both to the horse’s historic owners and to reputable art institutions.

Why You’ll Love It
A rare portrait of a Derby-winning racehorse – capturing the triumph of Britain’s most prestigious flat race.
Painted by Frederick Albert Clark – part of the famous Clark dynasty of equine artists.
Evocative and full of detail – from the chestnut sheen of the horse’s coat to the soft summer sky.
Historic subject – commemorating Spion Kop’s legendary 1920 Derby victory.
Ready to hang – in its original gilt-wood frame.

Condition
Fine used condition for age (over 100 years).
Canvas has been relined for stability.
Some craquelure, foxing, dust, and minor paint loss.
Frame with light wear, scuffs, and small chips, commensurate with age.
Stable and ready to hang.

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Reserve: $4,320.00

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