Oil-on-canvas, signed. There is a smaller version of this painting illustrated in ...British Equestrian Artists on pg. 186.

Provenance: The Jockey Club, Washington, D.C.

Davis' inclination toward his subject matter was an inevitable result of having been born to a family defined by fox-hunting. Davis' father was the huntsman to George III private harriers. His brother Charles became a famous huntsman to the Royal Buckhounds serving the Royal Family for 44 years until his death at age 78. At an early age, Davis had the great fortune to have the King recognize his talent and arrange for his subsequent education. Davis was first sent to work under Sir William Bourgeois. From that beginning, he proceeded to study with William Evans of Eton and Sir William Beechey. He even studied at the RA, although because they did not encourage artists of equestrian subjects, he was never elected to the ARA. His career proceeded with his election to the Suffolk Street Academy Society in 1829. Subsequently in 1831, William IV appointed him to be the royal animal painter. Years later, Queen Victoria asked him to paint three of her favorite horses. Through his affiliation with the Royal Family he received commissions from half the nobility of England. However, in spite of his royal connections and apparent success he died in poverty of tetanus.

Painting size: 17" x 21"
Frame size: 21" x 25"