Victorian Oil Painting Arab Horse Bombay Stables India c1900 Spalding Manner





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Description


English Victorian Sporting Oil Painting "Chestnut Arab in the Bombay Stables" Purebred Red Chestnut Arabian Horse, Bombay (Mumbai), India, Circa 1900, Painted in the Manner of Charles Bilger Spalding

Subject & Medium
Impress your guests and clients with this exceptional English Victorian sporting oil painting depicting a magnificent Purebred Red Chestnut Arabian Horse standing proudly within the famous Bombay Stables, India (modern-day Mumbai).
The noble Arabian is shown in full side profile beneath a large pale green canvas awning, erected to protect the horse from the intense Indian sun. Beyond the stable yard, the calm waters of Bombay Harbour stretch into the distance where a sailing yacht glides gracefully across the estuary, creating a wonderfully atmospheric colonial setting.

Executed in oil on board, this beautifully observed work combines refined equestrian portraiture with Anglo-Indian historical interest, making it a wonderful addition to any sporting art or fine antique collection.

Composition & Technique
This finely executed sporting portrait demonstrates an accomplished understanding of equine anatomy and movement. The artist has skilfully rendered the horse's elegant head, alert expression, beautifully defined musculature and powerful stance with remarkable confidence.
The rich chestnut colouring contrasts harmoniously against the cool green awning and tranquil coastal landscape beyond. Subtle tonal modelling, confident brushwork and carefully balanced composition create depth, realism and a commanding sense of presence that immediately captures the viewer's attention.

Historical Context
During the Victorian era, Arabian horses were among the most prized bloodlines throughout the British Empire. Bombay served as one of Britain's principal commercial and military centres, where wealthy merchants, cavalry officers and racing enthusiasts maintained valuable Arabian horses for breeding, prestige and competition.
Sporting portraits such as this celebrated exceptional horses in much the same way formal portraits commemorated distinguished families. Today, Victorian Anglo-Indian equestrian paintings remain highly desirable for their historical importance, decorative beauty and enduring collector appeal.

About the Artist
This painting is attributed to an English School artist working circa 1900, painted in the manner of Charles Bilger Spalding (1810–1871). Spalding was one of Britain's respected Victorian sporting artists, celebrated for his horse portraits, hunting scenes and racing subjects. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and collaborated with the distinguished publishers S. & J. Fuller. His works continue to attract collectors worldwide, with examples achieving notable auction prices. Although unsigned, this painting displays many stylistic qualities associated with Spalding and other accomplished Victorian sporting artists.

Signed
Unsigned.
English School.

Painted in the manner of Charles Bilger Spalding.

Framed
Presented in an attractive traditional gilt frame which complements the painting beautifully and enhances its period character.
Ready for immediate display with hanging cord attached to the reverse.

Size
Frame Dimensions
Height: 34.5 cm

Width: 42 cm

Depth: 4.5 cm

A desirable cabinet-sized painting, ideal for display in a country house, library, office, study or refined interior.

Provenance
Original historical labels remain attached to the reverse, documenting part of the painting's ownership history.
• Holloway's Auctioneers, Banbury, Oxfordshire, Lot 97, sale of June 2024 (original auction lot label retained verso).

• Original typed collection label reading:

"Chestnut Arab in the Bombay Stables
Bought from the Anneji
And sold for £980."
• Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

These original labels accompany the painting and provide an appealing documented ownership history, enhancing both its collectability and provenance.

Why You'll Love It
Beautifully executed Victorian sporting artwork with timeless elegance and outstanding decorative appeal.
Magnificent Purebred Arabian horse portrait celebrating one of the world's most admired equine breeds.

Evocative Anglo-Indian historical subject depicting colonial Bombay (modern-day Mumbai).

Painted in the manner of Charles Bilger Spalding, one of Britain's respected Victorian sporting artists.

Retains original provenance labels including Holloway's Auctioneers, Southern Shire Fine Art Auction and the original historical collection label.

Presented in a traditional gilt frame and ready to hang immediately.

A superb addition for collectors of sporting art, equestrian paintings, Anglo-Indian history and fine Victorian antiques.

A distinguished statement piece for a country house, library, office, study or elegant home.


Condition Report
Offered in good antique condition.
The painting displays the authentic characteristics expected of a work over one hundred years old, including age-related craquelure, areas of foxing and some paint loss towards the outer edges. The colours remain rich and vibrant, and the composition displays beautifully.

The traditional gilt frame has general age-related wear including scuffs, surface marks, dust, staining and small losses commensurate with age. There is also a small tear to the protective paper backing on the reverse.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.

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Reserve: $5,940.00

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