1795 -1865 · Doncaster, Newmarket and Meopham Park

Thrown thoroughbreds, precise teams and farm life made John Frederick Herring Sr the great equine chronicler of Victorian England.

John Frederick Herring was born in London in 1795 into a family of artisans. Attracted by horses, he left for Doncaster at a young age, working as a sign and coach painter and then as a coach driver. This daily experience gave him exceptional knowledge of anatomy, gaits, harnesses and animal effort. His portraits of racehorses attract owners and breeders; he painted numerous Derby and St Leger winners and became one of the most sought-after sporting artists. He painted many Derby and St Leger winners and became one of the most sought-after sporting artists. He received more formal training from Abraham Cooper as an adult, without losing the precision born from the stables. The Race for the Emperor's Cup Russia at Ascot, 1845 organizes horses, jockeys and crowds in a scene where every movement remains readable. Halifax Royal Mail Coach recalls his past on the roads, while Le Temps des Seeds expands its repertoire to agricultural life. From 1836, he added "Sr" to his name to distinguish himself from his painter son. The patronage of the Duchess of Kent and William Taylor Copeland confirmed his success. Installed at Meopham Park, he died in 1865, leaving an image as precise as it was idealized of the British horse. Installed at Meopham Park, he died in 1865, leaving an image as precise as it was idealized of the British horse. Installed at Meopham Park, he died in 1865, leaving an image as precise as it was idealized of the British horse. Installed at Meopham Park, he died in 1865, leaving an image as precise as it was idealized of the British horse. Installed at Meopham Park, he died in 1865, leaving an image as precise as it was idealized of the British horse. Installed at Meopham Park, he died in 1865, leaving an image as precise as it was idealized of the British horse. Installed at Meopham Park, he died in 1865 reading favors composition.

Herring knows the horse before composing it: the muscle, the pace and the harness remain accurate even when the race becomes a spectacle.