Equestrian Painting Leap of Legend: Pat Smythe and Finality, 1949 Exhibited: Paris Salon, 1956 Framed

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eap of Legend: Pat Smythe and Finality, 1949
Follower of Lionel Edwards (1878–1966)
Exhibited: Paris Salon, 1956
Overview
This original … Read more eap of Legend: Pat Smythe and Finality, 1949
Follower of Lionel Edwards (1878–1966)
Exhibited: Paris Salon, 1956
Overview
This original watercolour on paper by S. Myndas, a follower of Lionel Edwards, immortalises one of the most significant moments in British equestrian history — Pat Smythe and her mare Finality at the inaugural Horse of the Year Show, Harringay, 1949.
With luminous washes and deft pencil structure, Myndas captures the precise instant horse and rider are suspended mid-air — a vision of courage, balance, and grace. The work reflects both the athletic intensity of showjumping and the poetic serenity of post-war British sporting art.
Executed in the refined tradition of Lionel Edwards, it conveys motion through restraint: transparent colour, disciplined draughtsmanship, and a profound sensitivity to rhythm and light.
Composition and Style
Although the 1949 Horse of the Year Show was held indoors at Harringay Arena, Myndas places his subjects in an open pastoral setting beneath a gentle autumn sky — a deliberate artistic choice that situates the scene within the lineage of English equestrian painting.
The soft landscape connects the triumph of a modern sporting event to the timeless countryside ideals of freedom and grace. Pencil underdrawing establishes the anatomy and structure, while translucent layers of watercolour breathe life into the composition.
The result is not only a record of victory but also a lyrical reflection on endurance, partnership, and post-war optimism.
The Horse — Finality
A 15-hand bay mare known for her intelligence and perfect rhythm, Finality epitomised poise and courage. Her composure and precision complemented Pat Smythe’s intuitive and sympathetic riding style.
In this watercolour, Myndas captures her calm concentration and fluid movement — the poised curve of her jump and the quiet confidence that defined her performances. She became a national favourite, celebrated not only for success in the ring but also for her character and elegance.
The Rider — Pat Smythe (1928–1996)
At just twenty-one, Pat Smythe rose to prominence as Britain’s first Leading Showjumper of the Year in 1949. Her partnership with Finality marked a turning point in both sporting and social history.
Over the following decade, she represented Great Britain in three Olympic Games — Helsinki (1952), Stockholm (1956), and Rome (1960) — winning a bronze medal at Helsinki, the first ever by a British woman in equestrian sport.
Smythe’s artistry in the saddle, coupled with her quiet determination, helped redefine public perception of women in sport. Her legacy endures as one of talent, grace, and modern femininity.
The Event — Horse of the Year Show, 1949
Founded by Colonel Sir Mike Ansell, the first Horse of the Year Show was held in September 1949 at Harringay Arena, London. Conceived as a national celebration of equestrianism in post-war Britain, it was broadcast live by the BBC, bringing showjumping to a mass audience for the first time.
Smythe’s victory became a defining symbol of national pride and renewal. Myndas’s painting transforms that fleeting moment of triumph into enduring art — uniting movement, discipline, and emotional depth.
Significance
Leap of Legend represents the rare intersection of art, sport, and cultural history. Painted in the immediate aftermath of Smythe’s 1949 victory, it celebrates both personal and national achievement.
The verso bears the Salon des Artistes Français 1956 exhibition stamp, confirming its acceptance at the Paris Salon — a distinction seldom accorded to British sporting subjects. This provenance elevates the work from commemoration to recognition on an international stage.
The Artist — S. Myndas
Although biographical details remain scarce, S. Myndas’s work clearly reflects the influence of Lionel Edwards, the foremost equestrian painter of his generation. Like Edwards, Myndas combines accuracy of form with atmospheric subtlety, uniting the discipline of draughtsmanship with a painter’s instinct for movement.
The Paris Salon stamp suggests continental appreciation of his skill, marking this painting as a serious contribution to the post-war tradition of British sporting art.
Signature and Inscription
Lower right: “Pat Smythe / Finality / 1949 / S. Myndas”
Verso: Stamped “Salon des Artistes Français, 1956”
Frame and Presentation
Newly framed to museum conservation standard
Larson Juhl gold-leaf spoon-profile moulding
AR70 anti-reflective, UV-protective glass
White and gold double mount
Acid-free backing, sealed and professionally finished
Framed dimensions: 71 cm (W) × 60 cm (H) × 4.5 cm (D)
Elegant, timeless, and ready for display.
Provenance
1949: Painted and signed by S. Myndas to commemorate Smythe’s victory at Harringay
c.1950: Framed by The Rowley Gallery Ltd., Kensington (label verso)
1956: Exhibited or accepted at the Salon des Artistes Français, Paris (stamp verso)
Private Collection: The Maltings, Gloucestershire
2023: Exhibited in Pat Smythe and the Post-War Equestrian Renaissance, Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shrewsbury
By repute: Formerly the property of Pat Smythe herself (label verso)

Summary
A rare and beautifully executed tribute to one of Britain’s most celebrated riders, Leap of Legend: Pat Smythe and Finality, 1949 unites the traditions of English sporting art with the optimism of a nation emerging from war. Exhibited at the Paris Salon and meticulously preserved, it stands as both an artistic achievement and a testament to courage, partnership, and history. See less