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Sam Marriott
Study of two Shetland ponies heads

$2,938.37
£2,140
€2,500.22
CA$4,080.27
A$4,452.52
CHF 2,335.42
MX$54,077.34
NOK 29,170.70
SEK 27,567.77
DKK 18,660.70

About the Item

Sam Marriott (1932-1997) was a British painter active in the Post‑War and Contemporary art scene. Known chiefly for his oil paintings of sporting, equestrian, and rural life, he chronicled the English countryside with a keen eye and dynamic brushwork. His signatures appear on over a dozen auctioned works, spanning from hunting scenes and fox hunts to more tranquil rural moments Marriott’ pieces include genre scenes such as Horses in a meadow, Fernie Hunt over hedges and open ground, and canine portraits—testament to his skill in capturing animate subjects Though he seldom exhibited publicly, his works were well-regarded by collectors and often featured in UK auction houses. In this intimate oil study, Marriott captures two Shetland pony heads set against a soft white background. The neutral backdrop allows their expressions and textures to command attention. Composition: The ponies’ heads overlap slightly, one looking to us while the other one looks towards the right. Marriott’s painterly brushstrokes convey the Shetlands’ thick winter coats. Short, textured strokes emphasize the tufted forelocks and fuzzy muzzles, while subtle shading adds volume to their features. Warm tones — sandy chestnut, russet, and creamy creams — are highlighted with white and ochre. The silky transition from highlights to middle tones evokes a soft, tactile feel. Against the white, the earthy tones stand out without distraction. The simplicity evokes a studio-like study format — focused on form and character, not narrative or setting. This work reveals Marriott's versatility: though renowned for active sporting canvases, he also possessed the subtlety to do sensitive portraiture, conveying personality and bond in quiet moments. In summary, Sam Marriott blended sporting dynamism with quiet observational intimacy. Whether capturing a galloping hunt or the gentle presence of Shetland ponies in stillness, his work consistently reflects empathy, expert technique, and a deep connection to rural British life. The painting is signed on the bottom right "Marriott" The size of the panel is 30.5 x 40.5 cm
  • Creator:
    Sam Marriott (1932 - 1997)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.56 in (39.5 cm)Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: b231stDibs: LU2841216592182

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