About this lot

Description

Babraham, a chestnut thoroughbred, held presumably by his then owner, Mr Benjamin Rogers of Mickleham, Surrey, standing beside classical columns oil on canvas 31.5 x 44cm

Footnote: Provenance: Presumably acquired by John (1811-1908) or Algernon Dunn Gardner (1853-1929) and thence by descent Babraham was foaled in 1738, having been sired by the Godolphin Arabian, who was brought to England by 1730, when purchased by the 2nd Earl of Godolphin for his stud at Babraham in Cambridgeshire. His was to become one of the most important Arab bloodlines in English racing. Whilst Babraham’s racing record is generally dismissed as unexceptional - though he won six of his ten races - it is as a sire that he is most highly regarded. Having been acquired in 1747 by Mr Benjamin Rogers, his progeny include Babraham Blank, Bosphorus, and Cardinal Puff.

Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. There is some cracking to the paint layer along the upper edge where the stretcher sits behind it. But overall the paint layer is in a good, stable condition. The varnish is clear and semi-matte. There are some fly spots and dust on the surface. There are cracks to the hardwood frame but overall it is sound.

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