Equestrian Oil Painting Grey Mare Standing Aside Chestnut Foal "Mother and Son"





Click images to enlarge



Description


After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914)
Mother and Son

Circa Mid-20th Century

Original Oil on Canvas | Equestrian Mare & Foal Painting After the Victorian Royal Academician

Highlights

• Original mid-century oil on canvas with later board backing.
• Painted after Henry William Banks Davis RA's celebrated Mother and Son (1881).
• Depicts a magnificent grey mare standing protectively beside her chestnut foal.
• Beautiful coastal landscape setting with tranquil sea and sky.
• Bears an indistinct artist's monogram lower right.
• Retains a Christie's inventory label verso (No. 11019336).
• Presented in a quality Larson-Juhl stepped gilt frame.
• Excellent decorative equestrian painting ready for immediate display.

Introduction

A charming and highly decorative mid-century oil on canvas depicting a magnificent grey mare standing protectively beside her chestnut foal within a picturesque coastal landscape.

Inspired by Henry William Banks Davis RA's celebrated Victorian composition Mother and Son, first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1881 and now held in the collection of Tate Britain, this finely executed interpretation beautifully captures the enduring themes of maternal devotion, protection and companionship that made the original painting so admired.

Combining the timeless appeal of equestrian art with the serenity of an expansive coastal landscape, the work possesses warmth, elegance and outstanding decorative appeal, making it equally suited to traditional country house interiors and contemporary homes.

Catalogue Details

Artist: After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914)

Title: Mother and Son

Date: Circa Mid-20th Century

Medium: Oil on canvas with later board backing

Support: Canvas

Frame: Larson-Juhl stepped gilt moulded frame

Signature: Indistinct monogram lower right

Catalogue Note

The composition centres upon a graceful grey mare standing attentively beside her young chestnut foal, her flowing mane gently animated by the coastal breeze while the foal rests confidently within her protection.

The artist demonstrates a confident understanding of equine anatomy, carefully modelling both horses through subtle tonal transitions, refined highlights and expressive brushwork. Their balanced poses convey quiet strength and maternal tenderness, creating an engaging narrative that faithfully echoes the emotional sensitivity of Davis's celebrated original.

Beyond the figures, the calm shoreline, distant sea and expansive sky introduce atmosphere, depth and natural light, providing a harmonious setting that enhances the relationship between mare and foal.

Executed in traditional oil paint with attractive painterly texture throughout, the canvas has subsequently been reinforced with a board backing, providing additional structural support while preserving the integrity of the painted surface.

This painting belongs to the long tradition of skilled twentieth-century artists producing carefully hand-painted interpretations of important Victorian compositions, allowing collectors to enjoy celebrated images within their own homes. Entirely painted by hand, it possesses the individuality, texture and character that distinguish original oil paintings from later printed reproductions.

The Artist

Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914) studied at the Royal Academy Schools before being elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1873 and a full Royal Academician in 1877.

Widely regarded as one of Britain's foremost Victorian animal painters, Davis established an enduring reputation through his sensitive depictions of horses, cattle and pastoral life. His paintings were regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy and continue to be represented in important public collections, including Tate Britain.

This painting is correctly catalogued as After Henry William Banks Davis RA, reflecting that it is a later hand-painted interpretation inspired by one of his most celebrated compositions rather than an original work by the artist.

Provenance

• Private collection.
• Bearing Christie's inventory label verso (No. 11019336).
• Acquired through a respected Lancashire antiques dealer.
• Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

The Christie's inventory label records the painting's passage through one of the world's leading auction houses, adding an additional level of documented provenance and collector interest.

Dimensions

Painting

Width: 60 cm (23.62 inches)

Height: 48 cm (18.90 inches)

Framed

Width: 70.5 cm (27.76 inches)

Height: 60.3 cm (23.74 inches)

Frame Depth: 5.5 cm (2.17 inches)

An attractive cabinet-sized painting with balanced proportions, making it ideal for display in a drawing room, study, library, country house or equestrian interior.

Condition Report

Oil on canvas with later board backing.

The painting has been professionally relined and remains in good decorative condition overall. There is minor age-related surface wear, light foxing and gentle handling marks consistent with age. The painted surface is stable, and the colours remain rich, fresh and attractive.

The Larson-Juhl gilt frame is also in good condition with only minor age-related wear.

Overall, the painting presents beautifully and is ready for immediate display.



Reserve: $8,100.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Shipping rates are determined by destination

International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT.

Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Location: This item ships from United Kingdom

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.