A Gentleman, possibly Francis Holyoake, on a Bay Hunter in a Landscape, a Hunt Beyond

Details

John E. Ferneley, Sen. (British, 1782-1860)
A Gentleman, possibly Francis Holyoake, on a Bay Hunter in a Landscape, a Hunt Beyond
signed, inscribed and dated 'J. Ferneley/Melton Mowbray/1828.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
34 x 44 in. (86.4 x 111.8 cm.)

Provenance

J.T.E. Walker, Studely Castle, Warwickshire; Christie's, London, 18 February 1893, lot 20 (4 gns to Abel).
Acquired by the current owner's great-grandfather.

Lot Essay

The two principle qualities of a portrait by Ferneley, which are both very much in evidence in the present work, are the exquisite drawing of the horses' heads and the sophistication of his landscapes, 'All the veins stand out, and the eyes are bright and intelligent. He is fond of a soft bluish landscape, which so truly portrays the hazy effect which the cold clay soil gives to the horizon in Leicestershire. His distances are soft and blending; they recede naturally into his skies.' (Paget, op. cit., p. 102.)

For a note on the artist please see lot 8.

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