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George Paice
The Merry Widow, signed lower right: “G. Paice, 08”

1908

$2,182.69
£1,600
€1,880.49
CA$3,056.79
A$3,360.59
CHF 1,737.14
MX$40,211.59
NOK 21,931
SEK 20,560.93
DKK 14,044.54

About the Item

George Paice (1854–1925) The Merry Widow, 1908 Oil on canvas, signed lower right: “G. Paice, 1908” Biography George Paice was a distinguished British painter best known for his portraits of racehorses, hunting dogs, and equestrian scenes. Born in Pimlico, London, he trained at the Royal Academy Schools and exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of British Artists. Working primarily on private commission for aristocratic and sporting patrons, Paice became one of the leading equine portraitists of late Victorian and Edwardian England. His work is characterized by technical precision, warm natural lighting, and a refined sense of atmosphere. Rather than dramatic action, Paice preferred calm, dignified compositions that celebrate the grace and nobility of his subjects. -- The Merry Widow depicts a proud racehorse and jockey, captured in a moment of poised readiness before or after a race. The horse, likely a chestnut or bay, stands in profile at the centre of the composition, its powerful frame rendered with meticulous attention to musculature, sheen, and proportion. The sunlight catches the gloss of its coat, lending the animal both vitality and elegance. Seated lightly in the saddle, the jockey wears brightly coloured silks — their crisp reds, blues, or whites (depending on the stable colours) contrasting with the earthy tones of the horse and background. His posture is composed, suggesting both discipline and quiet confidence. The setting is typical of Paice’s equestrian portraits: a softly lit paddock or racecourse, with open pasture, low fencing, and a pale horizon that enhances the subject’s prominence. The artist’s signature, “G. Paice, (19)08,” appears neatly in the lower left corner. In this work, Paice combines portraiture with sporting tradition — balancing realism and restraint to evoke the prestige, elegance, and partnership between horse and rider. The Merry Widow stands as a fine example of Paice’s mature style: precise, serene, and deeply respectful of his subjects.
  • Creator:
    George Paice (1854 - 1925, British)
  • Creation Year:
    1908
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26.78 in (68 cm)Width: 33.86 in (86 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: b651stDibs: LU2841217060402

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