John Frederick Herring Jr. 1815-1907

Sheila Lady Douglas-Pennant (by 1988);
by descent to the present owner

STRUCTURE Original canvas. PAINT SURFACE The paint suface appears to be in very good, original condition. There is an even cracquelure consistent with age. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals the painting to be virtually untouched, with the exception of a very small area of light re-touching to the centre of the canvas. FRAME Held in a gilt 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."

Plenipotentiary was a chestnut colt foaled in 1831 by Emilius out of Harriet. He was bred and raced by the Jockey Club member Mr Stanlake Batson. His greatest triumph was in the 1834 Derby when he beat Shilelagh, the 2,000 Guineas winner Glencoe and 19 other runners. The colt who was 15 hands 2 inches tall and described as "a rich chestnut with bone and size enough to go between the shafts of a cabriolet." Amongst Plenipotentiary's other victories were the St. James's Palace Stakes in a walk-over at Royal Ascot and, at the Newmarket Craven meeting in 1835, the Craven Stakes, the Port Stakes and the £50 Subscription Plate at Newmarket.

The last named is the race depicted here in Herring's painting where the colt can be seen defeating Lord Orford's 1833 2,000 Guineas winner Clearwell and Colonel Peel's Rosalie. At stud Plenipotentiary sired two classic winning fillies, Potentia who won the 1,000 Guineas in 1841 and Poison, the Oaks winner in 1843.