The Antiques Hound has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.
Sensitively rendered, the horse stands before a rustic outbuilding to the left, while a grand English country house sits on the low horizon under a soft twilight sky.
Signed and dated lower right: "W Williams Pinxit 1791".
A Note on the Academic Reattribution: This painting presents a fascinating case of 18th-century identity correction. While historic commercial auction records have traditionally lumped paintings bearing this signature and date under the lifespan of the Anglo-American artist William Williams (1727–1791), modern art historical consensus firmly reattributes this hand to his British contemporary, William Williams of Norwich. The Anglo-American Williams died destitute in a Bristol poorhouse in April 1791, making a rural commission of this nature improbable.
Conversely, Williams of Norwich - famed for his Royal Academy exhibitions - was actively travelling the English Midlands and East Anglia during this exact window. Itinerant painters of his calibre routinely supplemented their income by executing animal and livestock portraits for regional gentry and estate owners.
The loose, naive brushwork in the foliage and the stylised anatomical rendering of the horse on pine board are entirely consistent with Williams of Norwich's documented provincial oeuvre. His work is represented in the National Museum of Wales; St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich; and Linley Hall, Salop.
A distinctive Georgian equestrian portrait with strong folk and provincial art appeal, ideal for collectors of early equestrian and sporting art, 18th-century British painting, and historical horse portraiture.
Framing & Presentation: The oil painting is presented in a bespoke, hand-finished ebonised wooden frame. It is supplied ready to hang.
Dimensions:
Panel Size: 51.5cm x 37cm x 0.7cm (Approx. 20.2" x 14.5")
Overall Framed Size: 61.5cm x 48.5cm x 2cm (Approx. 24.2" x 19.1")
Condition Report:
The oil on panel is in very good, stable condition. Painted on a single 0.7cm thick slab of seasoned pine, the panel shows natural historical grain and light age-related curvature, but remains entirely solid without structural splits. Minor stable craquelure and historic surface patina consistent with a 230+ year old panel. The bespoke frame is brand new and immaculate.
Shipping & Delivery:
Bespoke secure packing and insured door-to-door worldwide delivery available. Please contact us for a shipping quote to your location.
The Antiques Hound has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.
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Equestrian Portrait of a Chestnut Stallion – Attributed to William Williams of Norwich (Fl. 1758–1797)
