Charles Arnott's Chestnut Hunter Held by a Groom in an Extensive Landscape, with Rushington Manor Beyond

"Marshall may be described as a painter with a style in his blood, who endeavored to get his effects without any fumbling, while showing with more and more vigor his variety as a colorist. . . Marshall early in his career set a new and a bold example in his handling of backgrounds" (W. S. Sparrow, George Stubbs and Ben Marshall, London, 1929, pp. 45-6). This fine early painting by Ben Marshall, according to Noakes, orignally bore a duty mark and therefore, can be dated to 1799. The same year, Marshall painted another portrait of two hunters for Charles Arnott (op. cit., p. 31, no. 20, illustrated pl. 40). These may have been conceived as a pair to decorate Charles Arnott's Rushington Manor which is prominently depicted in this painting. In addition to his detailed backgrounds, Marshall was also admired for his accurate and sympathetic depictions of grooms and jockeys (as well as dogs) which add interest and balance to his equine portraits.