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John Alexander Harington Bird
Description
- John Alexander Harington Bird
- Chestnut and Grey Arab Stallions with a groom on the beach
signed Harington Bird and dated 1906. (lower right)
- watercolor and gouache on paper
- 14 3/4 by 20 3/4 in.
- 37.5 by 53 cm
Provenance
Condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
John Alexander Harington Bird was famous for his paintings of horses, particularly Arabs. He also painted racing and hunting scenes.
Educated in London and initially destined to follow a military career, Bird suddenly turned his interest to art and first studied at the Royal Academy Schools. In 1875 he went to Montreal, Canada, where he took the post of Director of Art on the Board of School Commissions. Bird exhibited at the Royal Canadian Academy and became an Associate member in 1880.
Bird returned to London in 1885, where he spent the rest of his life. During these years he exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of British Artists, Suffolk Street.
Several prints were published after his work including The Queen's Race Winners, a series of thirteen portraits of racehorses with jockeys up. Bird was also an accomplished illustrator.