🏆 Rare Sporting Art John Skeaping’s Greyhounds Racing Signed Oil Masterpiece
🏆 Rare Sporting Art: John Skeaping’s “Greyhounds Racing” (1963) – Signed Oil Masterpiece
🎨 Subject & Medium
This exceptional oil on canvas painting titled “Greyhounds Racing” captures the thrilling moment of two racing greyhounds sprinting side by side down the racetrack. Painted circa 1963, it exemplifies fine British sporting art and celebrates the athleticism, grace, and competitive spirit of this iconic racing breed.
🖌 Composition & Technique
Skeaping’s dynamic composition places the viewer right at the heart of the race, with the two sleek greyhounds caught mid-stride, muscles stretched and jaws open in fierce determination. The artist’s use of warm earthy tones — ochres, rich browns, and reddish-golds — contrasts sharply with the deep black background, creating a vivid focus on the dogs’ bodies and the sandy track.
His brushstrokes are energetic and expressive, using both smooth, fluid lines to capture the contours of the animals and loose, directional strokes to suggest motion and speed. Notice the subtle streaks across the canvas, giving a sense of blurred movement, as though the viewer is glimpsing a fleeting instant. This approach aligns with Skeaping’s modernist sensibilities, blending realistic anatomical detail with an almost impressionistic treatment of motion and atmosphere. The result is a powerful, almost cinematic sporting scene, full of life and tension.
✍ Signed
The work is signed in the bottom corner by the artist, John Skeaping, ensuring its authenticity and adding significant value.
👨🎨 About the Artist
John Rattenbury Skeaping, RA (1901–1980), was a distinguished British sculptor and painter, particularly celebrated for his equine and animal works. Born in Essex, Skeaping trained at Goldsmiths College, the Central School of Arts and Crafts, and the Royal Academy, later winning the British Prix de Rome in 1924.
He was a member of the Royal Academy, the London Group, and the Seven and Five Society, and collaborated early in his career with renowned sculptor Barbara Hepworth. Skeaping’s works have been collected by prestigious institutions such as the Tate Gallery, and his life-size statue of Secretariat is a highlight at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. His pieces have fetched impressive sums at major auctions, with top sales surpassing $100,000 at Christie’s.
🖼 Frame Details
The painting is set in a stylish white wood frame that complements the energy and tone of the artwork, providing a classic, clean presentation suitable for any decor.
📏 Dimensions Framed
Frame width: 70.5 cm
Frame height: 52 cm
Frame depth (thickness): 5 cm
🏷 Provenance
Private Scottish collection, notable Scottish auction house label verso & curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD providing traceable history and adding to the piece’s collectible significance.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
✅ Rare, original work by renowned British artist John Skeaping
✅ Captivating subject matter — dynamic greyhound racing scene
✅ Rich, earthy colours and expressive brushstrokes bring the action to life
✅ Perfect for collectors of sporting art, equine or animal paintings
✅ Ready to hang and display as an eye-catching statement piece
✅ A true conversation starter and collectible investment
🛠 Condition
The painting is offered in fine used condition. The front surface is in good overall order, with some foxing stains visible in places. The frame shows general wear, including minor scuffs, chips, and losses consistent with age and handling — all adding character without detracting from the overall impact.
🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.
🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece
