LAPORTE, George Henry
(b. 1799, Hannover, d. 1873, London)

Portrait a Bay Racing Pony

c. 1840
Oil on canvas, 70 x 90 cm
Private collection

This painting depicts a bay racing pony, Queen of Trumps, with his young racing groom William Preston up; a race taking place beyond. Pony racing enjoyed a vogue in the earlier part of the 19th century. The racing was initiated to train youngsters in the art of race-riding, and many meetings took place all over England, often in conjunction with local horse-races. The present painting is a rare visual depiction of this sport.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.