Equestrian Oil Painting 1928 – “Kitty,” Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray Hunt, by Murray Urquhart

Equestrian Oil Painting 1928 – “Kitty,” Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray Hunt, by Murray Urquhart / Murray McNeel Caird Urquhart (1880–1972). Subject & Medium:- A signed and dated oil on canvas portrait of Kitty, a bay hunter mare, shown saddled in a stable interior. Painted in 1928 by Scottish artist Murray Urquhart, whose training in Edinburgh, London, and Paris shaped his distinctive command of form and light. Through delicate layers of glaze, Urquhart achieves a lustrous depth in Kitty’s coat, contrasted with rustic ochres and greys that describe the stable setting with authenticity. Composition & Technique:- Kitty is portrayed in a three-quarter stance, a traditional equestrian pose chosen to emphasize her proportions and conformation. The mare’s gleaming coat is central, balanced by the muted tones of stable walls and stone floor. Urquhart’s palette is warm and harmonious: siennas and umbers model the musculature, ochres highlight the timbers, and cool greys anchor the composition. Fine highlights in the girth, saddle, and the mare’s bright eye bring energy to the painting. The artist combines precise observation in Kitty’s features and tack with a freer, impressionistic handling of light and texture in the background — a fusion of British sporting tradition with Parisian influence. The Horse & the Hunt:- Kitty, a Thoroughbred-type mare in her prime (around 7–10 years old), displays the stamina and courage needed for the Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray Hunt (CL&C) in West Sussex. The CL&C country in the 1920s was renowned for its challenging terrain — chalk downs, wooded valleys, and heavy clay lanes — demanding horses of exceptional athleticism. By repute, Kitty’s portrait was commissioned to honour her service in the field and the family’s close association with the hunt. More than a decorative work, the portrait stands as a tribute to a trusted companion and a symbol of sporting heritage. The Artist:- Murray McNeel Caird Urquhart (1880–1972) Studied at the Edinburgh School of Art, Westminster, and the Académie Julian in Paris Exhibited at the Royal Academy, the New English Art Club, and the Paris Salon Known for landscapes, portraits, and animal studies. His works continue to appear at leading auction houses, achieving prices up to US $13,000. Urquhart’s paintings blend British naturalism with French impressionist handling of light, producing works that are both accurate and atmospheric. Signed Lower left: Murray Urquhart, dated 1928 Upper right: KITTY Frame:- Original beechwood frame, warm stained with natural patina, period-appropriate to the late 1920s. Light wear and small losses consistent with age, structurally sound and ready to display. Provenance:- Private equestrian collection, Chichester (by repute linked to CL&C Hunt stables) Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD Exhibited at the Lord Hill Museum Key Features:- Rare signed and dated equestrian portrait by Murray Urquhart Depicts a mare in her prime, tied to the storied CL&C Hunt Provenance includes private collection, curation, and museum exhibition Retains its original period frame A fine addition for collectors of sporting, equestrian, or British country house art For more curated works, visit our online gallery: Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.