Description
A portrait not merely of a horse - but of a life well known.
This early 20th century original watercolor, entitled "The Old Long-Bodied Cob of Gaddesby Farm," captures something deeply personal and distinctly English. The focus is unwaveringly on the horse itself - steady, dignified, and rendered with careful attention to form and expression. There is affection in the brushwork. This was not just livestock; this was a working companion.
The detail is lovely and deliberate. The horse's long, sturdy frame is thoughtfully observed, its stance calm and assured. The background is kept secondary, allowing the eye to rest fully on the cob - a quiet compositional choice that makes the portrait feel intimate rather than decorative.
Gaddesby Farm, located in Leicestershire, roots the piece in a specific landscape - the rolling Midlands countryside where cobs like this would have labored faithfully in fields and along hedgerows. The title itself reads almost like a memory spoken aloud, preserving the identity of both animal and place.
Presented in its frame and hand selected in England before being carefully imported, this watercolor carries the gentle nostalgia of rural life. It is a piece for those who understand that portraits are not reserved for people alone - sometimes the most honest likenesses are of the animals who shaped the rhythm of daily work.
A quietly moving addition to a study, library, or country-inspired interior - layered with story, history, and heart.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good antique condition consistent with age. The watercolor retains lovely clarity and detail, with light, even toning to the paper commensurate with the early 20th century. Minor surface wear and subtle marks may be present. The frame shows gentle wear in keeping with age. Overall, a well-preserved and beautifully presented original work.
Origin:
United Kingdom
Materials & Techniques:
Glass, Paper, Watercolor, Wood
Details:
Frame Type: Framed
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Animals
This early 20th century original watercolor, entitled "The Old Long-Bodied Cob of Gaddesby Farm," captures something deeply personal and distinctly English. The focus is unwaveringly on the horse itself - steady, dignified, and rendered with careful attention to form and expression. There is affection in the brushwork. This was not just livestock; this was a working companion.
The detail is lovely and deliberate. The horse's long, sturdy frame is thoughtfully observed, its stance calm and assured. The background is kept secondary, allowing the eye to rest fully on the cob - a quiet compositional choice that makes the portrait feel intimate rather than decorative.
Gaddesby Farm, located in Leicestershire, roots the piece in a specific landscape - the rolling Midlands countryside where cobs like this would have labored faithfully in fields and along hedgerows. The title itself reads almost like a memory spoken aloud, preserving the identity of both animal and place.
Presented in its frame and hand selected in England before being carefully imported, this watercolor carries the gentle nostalgia of rural life. It is a piece for those who understand that portraits are not reserved for people alone - sometimes the most honest likenesses are of the animals who shaped the rhythm of daily work.
A quietly moving addition to a study, library, or country-inspired interior - layered with story, history, and heart.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good antique condition consistent with age. The watercolor retains lovely clarity and detail, with light, even toning to the paper commensurate with the early 20th century. Minor surface wear and subtle marks may be present. The frame shows gentle wear in keeping with age. Overall, a well-preserved and beautifully presented original work.
Origin:
United Kingdom
Materials & Techniques:
Glass, Paper, Watercolor, Wood
Details:
Frame Type: Framed
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Animals
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good antique condition consistent with age. The watercolor retains lovely clarity and detail, with light, even toning to the paper commensurate with the early 20th century. Minor surface wear and subtle marks may be present. The frame shows gentle wear in keeping with age. Overall, a well-preserved and beautifully presented original work.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
12.25 x 15 x 0.75 in
Original Watercolor "The Old Long-Bodied Cob of Gaddesby Farm" Horse Portrait 1914 Leicester, Englan
Estimate $360-$640
Starting Price
$180
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The Fine Art Collector's Edit
Aug 26, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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