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

Oil on Canvas

🎨 Subject & Medium

A charming and highly decorative mid-century oil on canvas, later strengthened with a board backing, depicting an elegant grey mare standing protectively beside her chestnut foal within a peaceful coastal landscape.

Inspired by Henry William Banks Davis RA's celebrated Victorian masterpiece Mother and Son, first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1881 and now housed in the Tate Britain collection, this finely executed interpretation beautifully captures the enduring themes of maternal devotion, protection and companionship that made the original composition so admired.

Combining the timeless appeal of equestrian painting with the tranquillity of an expansive coastal setting, the work possesses a warm decorative quality that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors.

🖌️ Composition & Technique

The composition is centred upon a graceful grey mare standing attentively beside her young foal, her flowing mane animated by a gentle coastal breeze while the foal rests confidently within her protection.

The artist demonstrates a confident understanding of equine anatomy, carefully modelling the horses through subtle tonal transitions, delicate highlights and expressive brushwork. The balanced poses convey both quiet strength and tenderness, creating an engaging narrative of maternal care.

Beyond the figures, the distant sea, shoreline and expansive sky introduce depth, atmosphere and natural light, providing a harmonious backdrop that enhances the emotional relationship between mare and foal.

Executed in traditional oil paint, the work displays attractive visible brushwork throughout. The canvas has subsequently been reinforced with a board backing, providing additional support while helping preserve the integrity of the painted surface.

🏛️ Historical Context

Henry William Banks Davis RA was one of Britain's foremost Victorian animal painters, renowned for his refined portrayals of horses, cattle and pastoral life. His works were regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy and enjoyed considerable popularity among nineteenth-century collectors.

Among his most admired compositions was Mother and Son, a sensitive depiction of maternal affection which became one of his signature works and remains in the collection of Tate Britain.

During the mid-twentieth century, skilled artists frequently produced hand-painted interpretations of celebrated Victorian masterpieces, allowing collectors to enjoy faithful recreations of iconic compositions within their own homes. This painting reflects that tradition and stands as an accomplished decorative work in its own right.

Entirely painted by hand, it retains the individuality, texture and character that distinguish original oil paintings from later printed reproductions.

👨🎨 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 achieving full Royal Academician status in 1877.

Widely admired for his pastoral landscapes and exceptional animal subjects, Davis established an enduring reputation through his sensitive depictions of horses and livestock set within idyllic British landscapes. His works continue to be represented in important public collections, including Tate Britain.

This painting is correctly catalogued as After Henry William Banks Davis RA and should be regarded as a skilful mid-century interpretation inspired by one of the artist's most celebrated Victorian compositions.

✍️ Signed

Monogrammed lower right.

The mark appears as an indistinct artist's monogram which has not been conclusively identified. Consequently, the painting is appropriately catalogued as:

After Henry William Banks Davis RA (1833–1914)

📏 Size

Painting

• Width: 60 cm (23.62 inches)
• Height: 48 cm (18.90 inches)

Framed

• Width: 70.5 cm (27.76 inches)
• Height: 60.3 cm (23.74 inches)
• Frame Depth: 5.5 cm (2.17 inches)

An attractive cabinet-sized painting with balanced proportions, making it ideal for display within a wide variety of interior settings.

🖼️ Framed

Presented in a quality Larson-Juhl stepped gilt moulded frame that perfectly complements the traditional equestrian subject and enhances the painting's decorative presence.

The frame remains in good condition and is ready for immediate display.

📜 Provenance

• Private collection.
• Bearing a 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 confirms the painting's passage through one of the world's leading auction houses, adding an additional level of provenance and collector confidence.

✅ Why You'll Love It

🟢 Beautiful mare and foal composition with enduring universal appeal.

🟢 Inspired by Henry William Banks Davis RA's celebrated Mother and Son held in Tate Britain.

🟢 Hand-painted oil on canvas with attractive painterly texture.

🟢 Peaceful coastal setting offering warmth and decorative charm.

🟢 Fine mid-century interpretation of a renowned Victorian masterpiece.

🟢 Cabinet-sized proportions suitable for country houses, studies, libraries and elegant interiors.

🟢 Bears a Christie's inventory label verso.

🟢 Professionally presented in a quality Larson-Juhl gilt frame.

🟢 Excellent choice for collectors of equestrian art, sporting paintings and traditional British interiors.

🟢 Carefully curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Whether displayed within a country house, drawing room, library, hallway, study or equestrian property, this delightful painting offers timeless decorative appeal while celebrating the enduring bond between mare and foal.

🔍 Condition Report

Oil on canvas with later board backing.

The painting remains in good decorative condition overall. The canvas has been professionally relined and displays minor age-related surface wear, light foxing and gentle handling marks consistent with its age.

The painted surface is stable, the colours remain rich and attractive, and the composition continues to display exceptionally well.

The Larson-Juhl gilt frame is also in good condition with only minor signs of handling.

Overall, the painting is ready for immediate display and enjoyment.