19th-century, a Lady Riding a Grey Mare, Antique Watercolour

Name: 19th-century, a Lady Riding a Grey Mare, Antique Watercolour
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1147434
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This charming mid-19th-century European watercolour depicts a young lady riding a grey mare.

During the 19th century, aristocratic women adored their horses and rode frequently for pleasure, travel and hunting. As such, riding habits were developed specifically for equestrian activities to cater for the increasing number of fashion-conscious ladies on horseback. Here, in around 1860, the lady is wearing a long black habit - a common colour as it disguises the mud.

She’s riding side-saddle as one would expect. Any lady choosing to ride ‘astride’ would’ve been frowned upon and considered unfavourably.

The context of this wonderful piece is unknown but it bears two interesting clues. Firstly, it’s monogrammed JH in the lower left on a stone. And secondly, the saddle bears a coat of arms with a crown or coronet. Is she of Royal heritage perhaps?

Monogrammed in the lower left, framed (in a contemporary frame of Dutch origin) and glazed.

Medium: Watercolour on paper

Overall size: 25” x 19” / 64cm x 49cm

Year of creation: c. 1860

Provenance: Private collection, Holland / Private collection, England.

Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

49cm (19.29")

Width

64cm (25.20")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1147434

Description

This charming mid-19th-century European watercolour depicts a young lady riding a grey mare.

“

During the 19th century, aristocratic women adored their horses and rode frequently for pleasure, travel and hunting.

Brave Fine Art

As such, riding habits were developed specifically for equestrian activities to cater for the increasing number of fashion-conscious ladies on horseback. Here, in around 1860, the lady is wearing a long black habit - a common colour as it disguises the mud.

fig 1. 19th-Century, A Lady Riding A Grey Mare, Antique Watercolour — fig 1. 19th-century, a Lady Riding a Grey Mare, Antique Watercolour

She’s riding side-saddle as one would expect. Any lady choosing to ride ‘astride’ would’ve been frowned upon and considered unfavourably.

The context of this wonderful piece is unknown but it bears two interesting clues. Firstly, it’s monogrammed JH in the lower left on a stone. And secondly, the saddle bears a coat of arms with a crown or coronet. Is she of Royal heritage perhaps?