Victorian Oil Painting of Persimmon Racehorse with Jockey Jack Watts – Royal Thoroughbred Owned by King Edward VII – In the Manner of John Frederick Herring Sr. – Newmarket c.1898

Victorian Oil Painting of Persimmon Racehorse with Jockey Jack Watts – Royal Thoroughbred Owned by King Edward VII – In the Manner of John Frederick Herring Sr. – Newmarket c.1898 Description A charming and historically significant late 19th-century oil painting on panel depicting the celebrated racehorse Persimmon with jockey Jack Watts at Newmarket. Painted in the manner of John Frederick Herring Sr., this piece reflects the enduring tradition of British sporting art. Persimmon is shown in profile, standing prominently within a simplified racecourse setting. The composition has a distinctive naïve quality, with slightly elongated proportions and restrained modelling, typical of a provincial artist working outside formal academic training. Despite this, the artist demonstrates careful observation in the detailing of the bridle, saddle, and figure. The most striking feature is the horse’s head, particularly the sharply defined eye, which gives a strong sense of character and alertness. The soft, muted palette of greens and ochres enhances its decorative appeal, making it both an engaging historical work and an attractive interior piece. About Persimmon Persimmon (1893–1908) was one of the finest Thoroughbred racehorses of the Victorian era. Bred at the Royal Stud, he was sired by the legendary St Simon and out of Perdita II. His racing career was highly successful, with 7 wins from 9 starts, including: The Derby (1896) Ascot Gold Cup Eclipse Stakes His Derby victory, achieved under royal ownership, was widely celebrated and elevated him to national prominence. Following retirement, Persimmon became a leading sire at Sandringham, influencing generations of racehorses. Jockey, Owner and Trainer Jack Watts, a leading jockey of the late Victorian period, rode Persimmon in his most important victories, including the Derby. His composed and controlled riding style is reflected in this portrait. The horse was owned by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, whose passion for racing helped shape the sport’s prominence in British society. Training was overseen by Richard Marsh at Newmarket, one of the most respected trainers of his time. Artistic Attribution Attributed to an unknown English provincial artist working in the late 19th century, in the tradition of John Frederick Herring Sr. By this period, Herring’s influence had spread widely, with many regional artists adopting his approach of clearly profiled horses, minimal backgrounds, and emphasis on recognisable subjects. Medium Oil on wooden panel Date Circa 1898 Signature Unsigned; inscribed “PERSIMMON” lower centre Frame Presented in a later gilt moulded frame, which complements the painting’s warm tones Dimensions Frame: 36.5 cm (H) × 42.5 cm (W) × 4 cm (D) Image: 23.5 cm × 29 cm Provenance Side Door Studio, Winchester Paul Ting, Suffolk Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD Why This Piece Stands Out Depicts a famous Royal Derby-winning racehorse Strong Victorian sporting and historical interest Attributed work in the Herring tradition Distinctive naïve style with genuine period character Decorative and highly collectible equine artwork Ready to hang and display