Albert Clark (American, 1843–1928) — Two Horses at Play

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Description

Oil on canvas, c. 1880–1900
Measures: 10.125" w x 8.125" h. Signed lower right “A. Clark”.

A lively small-format oil … Read more Oil on canvas, c. 1880–1900
Measures: 10.125" w x 8.125" h. Signed lower right “A. Clark”.

A lively small-format oil by the noted British equine painter Albert Clark, depicting a chestnut and a dark bay sprinting flank-to-flank across a paddock at dusk. Clark balances the taut, forward sweep of the horses’ bodies with the counter-curve of a hedge and leaf-stripped trees, their autumnal silhouettes set against a lemon-pink sky. A split-rail fence and distant horizon with a locomotive —glimpses of a rural lane and structures beyond—anchor the scene, while quick, broken touches model the sheen of the coats and the flick of tails and manes.

The picture reflects Clark’s long practice within the celebrated Clark family of animal painters (son of James Clark), prized for portraits of race and carriage horses. Here, rather than a static likeness, he stages motion—the extended gallop and elastic stride—captured with crisp drawing and warm, naturalistic color. An intimate yet spirited study from one of Victorian England’s most collected painters of the horse. See less