About this lot

Description

Atlas inscribed lower right "Atlas, Cot by Babraham who was / Son of ye Godolphin Arabian"; and Starling, inscribed lower right "Martindale's Starling was got by Old Starling / His Dam by Partner / His Grand-dam Mr Croft's Grey Barb" oils on canvas (a pair) 45 x 50cm

Footnote: Provenance: From a Norfolk country house These two famous horses of the mid-18th century won numerous races and eventually became stallions. Atlas was foaled in 1752 and belonged to the Duke of Devonshire. For a long time he remained unbeaten, but eventually Scrub (painted life-sized by Stubbs) got revenge for an earlier defeat and Atlas retired to stud. Starling was foaled in 1738 and was bred by Mr Croft. He raced with great success between 1743 and 1746 for the important owner, Mr Martindale, but was then sold to the Duke of Ancaster. After a few further races he retired to the Ducal stud and died at Croyden aged 26 in 1764. As the rider is in the blue often used by Martindale, the present painting most plausibly depicts him in 1746 or before. We are grateful to David Oldrey for his assistance with the catalogue entry.

Condition report: Both paintings are in oil on canvas which are unlined. The painting of 'Alias' has areas of raised and flaking paint along the lower edge which is vulnerable. In both works the paint is thinly applied with areas of wear and abrasion. There are areas of retouching under the varnish. The varnish is yellowed and dull.

Back to lot listings