Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Antique Equestrian Oil Painting to the 19th Century.
By F. S. Evans (British, 19th Century), Signed and Dated 1885
An important Victorian oil on canvas by the accomplished British sporting artist F. S.
Painted during Melton's greatest racing season, this distinguished equestrian portrait commemorates one of the defining moments in nineteenth-century British horse racing and represents an excellent example of late Victorian sporting art.
Melton is portrayed in elegant side profile before the Norfolk landscape surrounding Lord Hastings' Melton Constable estate. Evans displays a refined understanding of equine anatomy, carefully modelling the horse's powerful musculature, lustrous bay coat and graceful proportions. Every detail has been executed with precision, from the polished leather tack and saddle to Archer's distinctive racing colours. The expansive landscape and atmospheric sky create a balanced composition characteristic of the finest British sporting paintings of the period.
The painting is signed and dated 1885 by the artist. A closely related portrait of Melton by F. S. Evans is held in the National Trust Collection at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland, confirming the significance of the artist's surviving work.
Frederick James Archer (1857–1886) is regarded as one of the greatest jockeys in British racing history. Champion Jockey from 1874 until 1886, he rode 2,748 winners and secured five Derby victories together with six St Leger wins. His partnership with Melton reached its pinnacle during the 1885 season when horse and rider won both the Derby Stakes and the St Leger.
Foaled in 1882 and trained by the celebrated Mathew Dawson at Newmarket, Melton won eleven of his eighteen races, including the Derby Stakes, St Leger Stakes, July Cup, New Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Middle Park Plate. Following retirement he became an influential stallion in Britain and Italy, ensuring his lasting contribution to Thoroughbred breeding.
Provenance: From the distinguished estate of Stafford Ellerman (1928–2022). Sold as Lot 1178 in Ewbank's Silver & Fine Art Auction, Surrey, on 21 March 2024, catalogued as "Melton: A Bay Racehorse with Fred Archer (1857–1886) Up" by F. S. Evans. The reverse bears the original trade stamp of Percy Young, 137 Gower Street, London, a respected supplier of artists' materials and principal supplier to the Slade School of Art. Professionally researched, catalogued and curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Presented in its original late Victorian gilt moulded frame beneath protective glass, complementing the painting while preserving its authentic period character.
Dimensions: Height 81 cm; Width 99 cm; Depth 2.5 cm.
Condition: Fine antique condition. The painting displays attractive age-related craquelure, light foxing and minor surface wear consistent with its age. Colours remain rich and well preserved with excellent definition throughout. The original gilt frame has minor age-related wear but remains structurally sound and highly decorative. Ready for display.
A rare opportunity to acquire a documented Victorian sporting portrait depicting one of Britain's greatest racehorses and its most celebrated jockey, combining historical significance, excellent provenance and enduring decorative appeal.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Antique Equestrian Oil Painting to the 19th Century.
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19th Century Oil Painting Melton Race Horse Jockey with Fred Archer Up
