FREDERICK WOODHOUSE JNR.

Commissioned by Mr Ronald McMaster; thence by descent to the present owner
Private collection, Victoria

Work is in good condition. UV inspection suggests retouching on wall upper left, top centre and upper right quadrant.
"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."

Eldest son of the celebrated sporting painter Frederick Woodhouse (1820 - 1909), Frederick Woodhouse Junior worked as his father's assistant before establishing his own studio in Bourke Street, Melbourne in the early 1880s. Best known for his extensive series of chromolithographs, Woodhouse's Australasian Winners (1881-1900), Frederick Jr was also a photographer and painter. His horse portraits are (like his father's) very much in the manner of English sporting artists such as John Frederick Herring Sr, presenting the conventional mannerisms of small head and broad hindquarters.

The present work depicts 'Laundress',winner of the 1895 VRC Newmarket Handicap. This handsome bay filly (by 'Sheet Anchor' out of 'Pearl') was originally owned by James du Moulin of 'Brookdale', near Biagolong, Gippsland. However, she was 'when first caught, very vicious, and when being tackled she kicked the crush door very hard, which caused her leg to swell to an enormous size, and which remained so for two months.'¹ Wary of possible disability, du Moulin sold the horse cheaply² to Ronald McMaster of 'Moyston' and later 'Lochaber', Lake Bolac. It was a clever buy by the canny Scot. Trained by McMaster's brother Alec (whose initials appear on the horse rug in the foreground of the painting) and ridden by W. Wisby, 'Laundress' won Australia's premier sprint race only two years later.

1. Letter from James A du Moulin, unidentified press cutting accompanying painting
2. For 7 guineas – the original receipt, from Kirk's Horse Bazaar, Melbourne accompanies the work