L10237

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Lot 217
  • 217

Clifton Tomson

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • Clifton Tomson
  • The Finish of the St. Leger Stakes, 1815
  • signed lower left: Clifton Tomson pinxet / Nottingham, inscribed lower centre: St. Leger. Doncaster. 1815, and further inscribed below each horse with the name of the horse and its owner.
  • oil on canvas

Condition

The painting is brighter than the catalogue illustration suggests, and the colour fresher. The picture is in good condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint. The canvas has a firm lining, but the surface has not been overly compromised, and there is some minor separation of the paint in the rear most horse but one, visible under close inspection. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some minor infilling to craquelure in the bodies of the horses, but otherwise the picture appears to be largely untouched. Held in a gilded wooden frame with some mottling to the gilding but otherwise in generally good overall condition. The frame is inscribed with the name of the artist and the title of the picture. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The 1815 St. Leger Stakes was and won by Filho da Puta, a dark bay colt by Haphazard, out of Mrs. Barnet, a Waxy mare, ridden by John Jackson. Bred and owned by Sir William Maxwell, 6th Bt. (1748-1829), and trained by James Croft, he was a magnificent, high-class horse, standing 16 hands tall, and said to be very speedy and courageous. He also won the Doncaster Cup in 1816, and after a successful racing career became a champion sire, producing the St. Leger winner Birmingham, as well as other successful racehorses, including Hedgeford, who went to America, and Maria Black.

Established in 1776 and run at Doncaster the St. Leger is the oldest and the longest of the five British Classics, with also includes the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas Stakes, both at Newmarket, the Oaks, and the Derby, both held at Epsom. It also forms the final leg of the English Triple Crown. The 1815 race included entrants from a number of the most celebrated racehorse breeders of the day, including Lord Queensberry's Sir Bellingham, the Duke of Leeds's Restoration, Lord Fitzwilliam's Dinmont, and Mr Gascoigne's Little Thomas.