Henry Barnard Chalon 1770-1849

William Montagu Tharp (1837-1899) and thence by descent

The canvas has been lined. This would appear to be quite old. There is an old patch on the reverse of the lower left hand corner of the canvas. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals an old vertical damage in the lower right hand corner of the canvas with associated repaint which has slightly discoloured. There is evidence of two parallel vertical lines of retouching in the lower centre, as well as retouching around the forelegs of the horse, to the horse's body, and to the rider's helmet. There are a couple of passages of retouching along the lower edge of the canvas. There is evdience of other scatterd touches of repaint. The varnish layer is old and yellowed and the work should clean very well. Held in a carved wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Chalon's first commission from Colonel Thornton was a picture of Esterhazy and Gaberlourie, two famous hunters, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1806.  This lively study of a hunter is dated 1815 and may well have been painted in the grounds of Spye Park in Wiltshire.