Original Watercolor "The Old Long-Bodied Cob of Gaddesby Farm" Horse Portrait 1914 Leicester, England

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A portrait not merely of a horse — but of a life well known.

This early 20th century original watercolor, … Read more A portrait not merely of a horse — but of a life well known.

This early 20th century original watercolor, entitled “The Old Long-Bodied Cob of Gaddesby Farm,” captures something deeply personal and distinctly English. The focus is unwaveringly on the horse itself — steady, dignified, and rendered with careful attention to form and expression. There is affection in the brushwork. This was not just livestock; this was a working companion.

The detail is lovely and deliberate. The horse’s long, sturdy frame is thoughtfully observed, its stance calm and assured. The background is kept secondary, allowing the eye to rest fully on the cob — a quiet compositional choice that makes the portrait feel intimate rather than decorative.

Gaddesby Farm, located in Leicestershire, roots the piece in a specific landscape — the rolling Midlands countryside where cobs like this would have labored faithfully in fields and along hedgerows. The title itself reads almost like a memory spoken aloud, preserving the identity of both animal and place.

Presented in its frame and hand selected in England before being carefully imported, this watercolor carries the gentle nostalgia of rural life. It is a piece for those who understand that portraits are not reserved for people alone — sometimes the most honest likenesses are of the animals who shaped the rhythm of daily work.

A quietly moving addition to a study, library, or country-inspired interior — layered with story, history, and heart. See less