Oil Painting Grey Mare Standing Beside Chestnut Foal Mother and Son

Equestrian Oil Painting Grey Mare Standing Beside Chestnut Foal "Mother and Son" After Henry William Banks Davis RA

Original Mid-Century Oil on Canvas | After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914)

Highlights
Original mid-century oil on canvas, later strengthened with a board backing.
Faithfully painted after Henry William Banks Davis RA's celebrated Mother and Son (1881).
Depicts a protective grey mare standing beside her chestnut foal within a tranquil coastal landscape.
Bears an indistinct monogram lower right.
Retains a Christie's inventory label verso (No. 11019336).
Presented in a quality Larson-Juhl stepped gilt frame.
Excellent decorative equestrian painting ready for immediate display.

Introduction
A charming and highly decorative mid-century oil on canvas depicting an elegant grey mare standing protectively beside her chestnut foal within a peaceful coastal landscape.
Painted after Henry William Banks Davis RA's celebrated Victorian masterpiece Mother and Son, first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1881 and now preserved in the collection of Tate Britain, this accomplished interpretation captures the warmth, tenderness and quiet dignity that made the original composition one of the artist's most admired works.
Combining the timeless appeal of equestrian painting with an expansive coastal setting, the composition possesses exceptional decorative charm while celebrating the enduring bond between mother and offspring. Beautifully executed and attractively presented, it offers a refined addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Catalogue Details
Artist: After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914)
Title: Mother and Son
Date: Mid-20th Century
Medium: Oil on canvas with later board backing
Support: Canvas
Frame: Larson-Juhl stepped gilt moulded frame
Signature: Indistinct monogram lower right

Catalogue Note
The composition centres upon a graceful grey mare standing attentively beside her young chestnut foal, her flowing mane gently animated by a coastal breeze as the foal rests confidently within her protection.
The anonymous artist demonstrates a confident understanding of equine anatomy, carefully modelling both horses through subtle tonal transitions, refined highlights and expressive brushwork. Their balanced poses convey both quiet strength and maternal tenderness, creating an engaging narrative that echoes the emotional sensitivity of Davis's celebrated original.
Beyond the figures, the distant shoreline, calm sea and expansive sky introduce atmosphere, depth and natural light, creating a harmonious setting that enhances the relationship between mare and foal.
Executed in traditional oil paint with attractive painterly texture throughout, the canvas has subsequently been reinforced with a board backing, providing additional structural support while preserving the integrity of the painted surface.
This work forms part of the long tradition of skilled twentieth-century artists producing carefully hand-painted interpretations of important Victorian compositions, allowing collectors to enjoy celebrated images within their own homes. Entirely painted by hand, it possesses the individuality and character that distinguish original oil paintings from later printed reproductions.

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.
Widely regarded as one of Britain's leading Victorian animal painters, Davis established an enduring reputation through his sensitive depictions of horses, cattle and pastoral life. His paintings were regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy and remain represented in important public collections, including Tate Britain.
This painting is correctly catalogued as After Henry William Banks Davis RA, reflecting that it is a later hand-painted interpretation inspired by one of his most celebrated compositions rather than an original work by the artist.

Provenance
Private collection.
Bearing Christie's inventory label verso (No. 11019336).
Acquired through a respected Lancashire antiques dealer.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
The Christie's inventory label records the painting's passage through one of the world's foremost auction houses, providing an additional layer of documented provenance and collector interest.

Dimensions
Painting
Width: 60 cm (23.62 in)
Height: 48 cm (18.90 in)
Framed
Width: 70.5 cm (27.76 in)
Height: 60.3 cm (23.74 in)
Depth: 5.5 cm (2.17 in)
A pleasing cabinet-sized painting ideally suited to drawing rooms, studies, libraries, country houses and equestrian interiors.

Condition Report
Oil on canvas with a later board backing.
The painting has been professionally relined and remains in good decorative condition overall. There is minor age-related surface wear, light foxing and gentle handling marks consistent with age. The painted surface is stable, and the colours remain rich, fresh and attractive.
The Larson-Juhl gilt frame is also in good condition with only minor age-related wear.
Overall, the painting presents beautifully and is ready for immediate display.

Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available.
Every painting is professionally packed using high-grade materials and dispatched fully insured for complete peace of mind. We have extensive experience shipping fine art safely throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Attribution & Research Notice
The attribution, historical observations and provenance research presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional, non-guaranteed opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon stylistic comparison, technical examination, available evidence, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.
These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, conservation treatment, technical examination or advances in academic research may refine or revise current understanding.

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