Gilt Framed Oil Painting Grey Mare and Chestnut Foal "Mother and Son" After Henry William Banks Davis Ra

Details

Description

After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914)
Equestrian Oil Painting of a Grey Mare and Chestnut Foal ("Mother and Son"), … Read more After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914)
Equestrian Oil Painting of a Grey Mare and Chestnut Foal ("Mother and Son"), Oil on Canvas

Subject & Medium
A charming mid-20th century oil on canvas depicting a graceful grey mare standing protectively beside her chestnut foal within an expansive coastal landscape.
The composition is inspired by Henry William Banks Davis RA's celebrated Victorian painting Mother and Son, first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1881 and now preserved in the collection of Tate Britain. This accomplished interpretation faithfully captures the warmth, affection, and quiet dignity of the original while standing as an attractive decorative work in its own right.
The combination of an equestrian subject with an open shoreline setting creates a tranquil composition of enduring appeal, making the painting equally suited to traditional country house interiors and more contemporary settings.

Composition & Technique
The mare occupies the centre of the composition, standing attentively over her foal with a calm, protective presence. Her flowing mane is animated by the coastal breeze, while the young foal stands confidently beside her, reinforcing the theme of maternal care.
The artist has modelled both horses with careful attention to anatomy, musculature, and proportion. Delicate tonal transitions within the coats, restrained highlights, and confident brushwork lend the animals both character and realism without sacrificing the painterly quality of the work.
Beyond the figures, the broad expanse of sea and sky introduces depth and atmosphere. Soft natural light and an understated palette create a harmonious balance between landscape and subject, allowing the horses to remain the principal focus.
Painted in oil on canvas with a recently added board verso, the work benefits from the added stability of its support while retaining the texture and character associated with traditional oil painting.
Historical Context
Henry William Banks Davis was among the foremost British animal painters of the Victorian period. His depictions of horses, cattle, sheep, and pastoral landscapes enjoyed considerable popularity throughout the nineteenth century and were regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy.
His composition Mother and Son became one of his most admired works, celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of the relationship between mare and foal within an idyllic rural landscape.
During the mid-twentieth century, skilled hand-painted interpretations of celebrated Victorian compositions remained popular with collectors seeking traditional sporting and animal subjects. This painting reflects that enduring appreciation while possessing its own decorative quality and craftsmanship.
About the Artist
Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914) studied at the Royal Academy Schools before being elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1873 and a full Royal Academician in 1877.
He established an international reputation for painting horses, livestock, and pastoral landscapes, producing works characterised by careful observation, balanced composition, and an exceptional understanding of animal anatomy. His paintings remain represented in important public collections, including Tate Britain.
The present work is correctly catalogued as After Henry William Banks Davis RA and should be regarded as a well-executed mid-century interpretation of one of his most celebrated compositions.
Signature
Monogrammed lower right.
The monogram remains indistinct and has not been identified. The painting is therefore catalogued as:
After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914).
Dimensions
Canvas
Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)
Width: 23.6 in (60 cm)
Framed
Height: 23.7 in (60.3 cm)
Width: 27.8 in (70.5 cm)
Depth: 2.2 in (5.5 cm)
Frame
Presented in a quality Larson-Juhl stepped gilt moulded frame that complements the traditional character of the composition.
The frame is in good condition and is ready for display.
Provenance
Private collection.
Bearing a Christie's inventory label to the reverse (No. 11019336).
Acquired through a respected Lancashire antiques dealer.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
The Christie's inventory label provides an additional layer of documented ownership history and enhances the painting's provenance.
Condition
The painting is presented in good overall condition with light age-related surface wear and foxing stains with minor handling marks consistent with its age. The paint surface is stable, colours remain vibrant, and the composition displays well.
The Larson-Juhl gilt frame is likewise in good condition with only minor signs of age and handling consistent with careful use.
Overall, this is a well-presented decorative equestrian painting, professionally framed and ready for display. See less