"Grisette" Grey Mare Cheshire Sporting Oil Signed Herbert St. John Jones

"Grisette" (1925) by Herbert St. John Jones (1872–1939) Original British Sporting Horse Oil Painting | Signed | Painted from Life | Cheshire Hunt Interest An outstanding original oil on canvas by the highly regarded British sporting artist Herbert St. John Jones, painted from life in Nantwich on 19 February 1925. Titled "Grisette", this beautifully executed equestrian portrait depicts an elegant flea-bitten grey hunter mare standing in full profile. Painted with exceptional anatomical accuracy and subtle tonal modelling, it is a superb example of early twentieth-century British sporting art and captures the power, grace and character of a quality hunting horse. Extensive provenance research has restored the painting's correct identity after a later cataloguing error. Earlier auction records confirm the horse's name as "Grisette", rather than "Griselle", strengthening the painting's documented history. About the Horse: Grisette is portrayed with all the qualities associated with a first-class British hunter. * Deep chest showing stamina and endurance. * Powerful hindquarters. * Strong, clean limbs suited to hunting country. * Refined head with an alert, intelligent expression. * Beautiful flea-bitten grey coat painted in delicate tones of silver, cream and charcoal. The reverse bears the artist's original handwritten inscription: "Painted from Life at Nantwich – H. Herbert St. John Jones – Feb. 19th, 1925." This important inscription confirms the portrait was painted directly from the horse rather than copied from a photograph or created in the studio. Historical Background: Painted during the height of the Cheshire hunting season, this work belongs to one of Britain's most important sporting traditions. Herbert St. John Jones was a respected equestrian artist whose patrons included the Duke and Duchess of Westminster at Eaton Hall, placing him within the artistic circle of the historic Cheshire Hunt. Although no surviving documentary evidence confirms that Grisette belonged to the Grosvenor family, the date, location and nature of the commission place the painting firmly within the world of Cheshire's sporting elite. The historical observations, provenance research and attribution expressed within this catalogue are the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD based upon examination of the artwork, documentary research, comparative analysis and available historical sources. Unless supported by primary documentary evidence, references to ownership, patronage or historical associations should be regarded as informed opinion rather than established fact. The Artist: Herbert St. John Jones (1872–1939) worked from his studio in Hospital Street, Nantwich, where he became one of Cheshire's leading painters of horses, livestock and rural sporting subjects. His paintings are admired for their technical accuracy, careful observation and ability to capture the individual character of every animal. Today his work is increasingly sought after by collectors of British sporting art and equestrian paintings. Signed and Inscribed: * Signed lower left. * Titled "Grisette" lower right. * Fully inscribed by the artist on the reverse. * Original "The Windsor Canvas – Made in England" manufacturer's stamp to the reverse. Frame: Presented in an attractive later giltwood gallery frame that complements the painting well. Provenance: Private Collection. Dreweatts Neate, 29 May 2002. Originally catalogued correctly as "Grisette" and sold alongside its companion painting "Silverbank". The painting later appeared under the transcription error "Griselle". Careful examination of the artist's original copperplate inscription clearly confirms the correct title as "Grisette", reuniting the work with its documented auction history. Ready for display. A rare opportunity to acquire a documented original oil painting by Herbert St. John Jones, combining artistic quality, established provenance and strong historical interest. An excellent addition to any collection of British sporting art, antique equestrian paintings, horse portraits, fox hunting memorabilia, country house antiques or Cheshire historical works. Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed, fully insured and dispatched with care. Please visit the Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD eBay gallery to view our full range of carefully selected fine art and antiques.