The Old Union Race Course, Long Island, New York: Wednesday, May 10, 1854

Details

HENRY H. CROSS (1837-1918)
The Old Union Race Course, Long Island, New York: Wednesday, May 10, 1854
signed and dated 'H.H. Cross/1854.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
42 x 60 in. (106.7 x 152.4 cm.)
Painted in 1854.

Provenance

Private collection, Amsterdam, New York.
Christie's, New York, 6 June 1986, lot 156, sold by the above.
Hirschl & Adler Galleries, Inc., New York, acquired from the above.
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1994.

Literature

"The Turf of 1854. Match for $2,000-3,000 Persons at Union Course—The Best Time on Record," New-York Daily Times, May 11, 1854, p. 8.
W.T. Porter, American Turf Register and Racing & Trotting Calendar...During the Year 1854, New York, 1855, p. 64.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Tylee Abbott Vice President, Head of American Art

tabbott@christies.com +1 212 707 5925

Lot Essay

The present work depicts the historic race between the horses True John (at left) and Grey Eddy (at right) at the Union Course, which was a nationally-known horse racing track located in present-day Woodhaven, Queens. Completing the course in 2:40, the latter won the purse of $2,000, with ‘the fastest time ever made by any horse to a 250 pound wagon.’ With over 3,000 people in attendance, it was an event not to be missed, and Cross’s painting captures the verve of the exciting day. Many of the spectators depicted here have been identified including Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, boxing world champion John Morrissey and champion horse trainer Hiram Woodruff. Although the grounds were sold in 1872, it is still recognized for hosting some of the most famous races in American history and its name is honored by the nearby Union Turnpike running through eastern Queens.

A key identifying almost two-dozen figures throughout the composition will accompany this lot.

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