English Oil Painting of Racehorse Persimmon With Jockey Jack Watts, Royal Thoroughbred Portrait Circa 1898 in the Manner of John Frederick Herring Sr.

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Description

Antique English Naïve Oil Painting of Racehorse Persimmon with Jockey Jack Watts, Royal Thoroughbred Portrait, Circa 1898
Subject & Medium
… Read more Antique English Naïve Oil Painting of Racehorse Persimmon with Jockey Jack Watts, Royal Thoroughbred Portrait, Circa 1898
Subject & Medium
English School, late 19th century, in the manner of John Frederick Herring Sr.
Circa 1898
Oil on wooden panel
A historical sporting portrait depicting the celebrated British Thoroughbred Persimmon at the Newmarket training grounds, with jockey Jack Watts mounted.
Composition & Technique
A finely composed naïve profile portrait of Persimmon, shown standing in full side view with jockey mounted. The horse is rendered with an elongated, slightly rigid form typical of provincial sporting art, while the tack and bridle are observed with careful attention.
Particularly striking is the horse’s head, where a small, sharply defined eye—highlighted with a pinpoint of light—creates a vivid, alert expression. This detail lends the work notable personality and immediacy. The simplified racecourse setting, with white running rails and a low horizon, situates the subject within a stylised Newmarket landscape. A restrained palette of greens, ochres, and earth tones enhances its decorative appeal.
About the Horse
Persimmon (1893–1908) was one of the most important British Thoroughbreds of the late Victorian period, bred at the Royal Stud by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). He was sired by the legendary St Simon and out of Perdita II, combining exceptional pedigree with powerful physical conformation.
Renowned for his strength, stamina, and composed temperament, Persimmon won 7 of his 9 races. His major victories include the 1896 Epsom Derby, Ascot Gold Cup, and Eclipse Stakes. His Derby win, achieved under royal ownership, was a nationally celebrated event and cemented his place among the great racehorses of the era.
Following retirement, he stood at stud at Sandringham, where he became a leading sire, producing classic winners and exerting lasting influence on British bloodlines.
About the Jockey
Jack Watts was one of the leading jockeys of the 1890s, known for his tactical judgement, balance, and composure. He rode Persimmon in his most important victories, including the 1896 Derby. His calm and controlled riding style was particularly suited to high-class Thoroughbreds, allowing them to settle and perform to their full potential.
In this portrait, Watts is depicted upright and composed, reinforcing the formal, commemorative nature of the image and highlighting the essential partnership between horse and rider.
About the Owner
Persimmon was owned by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, one of the most influential figures in British racing history. A passionate breeder and patron, he developed the Royal Stud at Sandringham into one of the most respected breeding programs of the period.
Persimmon’s Derby victory in 1896 was of major national significance, representing a rare triumph for the heir to the throne and strengthening the cultural connection between monarchy and the British turf.
About the Trainer
Richard Marsh, based at Egerton House Stables in Newmarket, was one of the foremost trainers of his time. As trainer to the Prince of Wales, he was responsible for preparing Persimmon for his major victories. His expertise and management were central to the horse’s success at the highest level of racing.
Historical Significance
This painting commemorates one of the most celebrated racehorses of the Victorian era and reflects the intersection of sport, aristocratic patronage, and national identity. Works of this type were produced to celebrate notable horses and are an important part of the British sporting art tradition.
About the Artist
Attributed to an unknown English provincial artist working in the late 19th century, in the manner of John Frederick Herring Sr. The composition follows the established tradition of British equine portraiture, with emphasis on profile, clarity, and recognisable identity.
The naïve execution, flattened perspective, and expressive detailing—particularly in the horse’s head—are characteristic of vernacular sporting paintings produced for patrons and enthusiasts of the turf.
Signed
Unsigned; inscribed “PERSIMMON” lower centre.
Frame
Presented in a recent Larson-Juhl gilt moulded frame, in very good condition and well suited to the period character of the work.
Dimensions
Frame: 36.5 cm height x 42.5 cm width x 4 cm depth
Image: 23.5 cm height x 29 cm width
Provenance
Side Door Studio, Winchester, Hampshire
Paul Ting, Thorpe, Suffolk
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Why You’ll Love It
Rare depiction of a royal-owned Derby-winning racehorse
Strong historical connection to British racing and monarchy
Distinctive naïve style with authentic late Victorian character
Expressive detail, particularly in the horse’s eye
Highly decorative and suitable for both traditional and modern interiors
Collectible example of British sporting art
Excellent provenance and narrative appeal
ood colour and clarity. The frame is in very good condition with minimal handling wear. See less