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James SeymourAn elegant lady and gentleman hare coursing in an extensive landscape
About the Item
James Seymour (1702-1752) & Thomas Spencer (1700-1753)
An elegant lady and gentleman hare coursing in an extensive landscape
Oil on canvas
Canvas Size - 33 x 50 in
Framed Size - 41 x 57 in
Provenance
The Troyte-Bullock family and thence by descent. Recorded in an inventory of the contents of North Coker House, Somerset, in 1920.
Literature
James Seymour by Richard Willis, published 2022, page 295, catalogue number 130b.
This collaborative painting by James Seymour (1702–1752) and Thomas Spencer (1700–1753) is a fine example of 18th century British sporting art, a genre that celebrated aristocratic pursuits such as hunting, racing, and equestrian activities. Both artists were known for their contributions to the field, with Seymour being particularly renowned for his depictions of racehorses and Spencer for his detailed and lively equestrian scenes.
The composition captures a moment of leisure and sport, set in the English countryside. The couple depicted are mounted on their well-groomed horses, engaged in conversation, while a servant or huntsman presents a freshly caught hare, accompanied by hunting dogs. The presence of the additional saddled horse suggests either the anticipation of further pursuit or the inclusion of another participant. The naturalistic yet idealized landscape, with soft clouds and verdant trees, provides a serene backdrop that enhances the sense of refinement and nobility associated with hunting as a gentlemanly pastime.
Seymour’s characteristic attention to the musculature and movement of the horses is evident, showcasing his deep understanding of equine anatomy, while Spencer’s influence can be seen in the finely rendered details of the figures and their attire. The collaboration between these two artists results in a harmonious composition that not only serves as an elegant portrayal of aristocratic life but also reflects the growing appreciation for sporting art during this period.
The Artists: James Seymour and Thomas Spencer
James Seymour was one of the leading equestrian painters of his time, specializing in depictions of racehorses and hunting scenes. Born into a wealthy London family, he had access to the elite world of horse racing, which allowed him to study and portray thoroughbreds with remarkable accuracy. He became one of the first artists to capture the emerging culture of horse racing in Britain, particularly at Newmarket. Despite his artistic talent, Seymour’s extravagant lifestyle and financial troubles eventually led to his downfall.
Thomas Spencer, though lesser-known than Seymour, was also a skilled sporting artist who often worked in a similar vein. He was influenced by the works of John Wootton and Peter Tillemans, the pioneers of British sporting art, and frequently collaborated with other painters. Spencer was adept at capturing the social aspect of hunting and racing, incorporating expressive figures and finely detailed animals into his compositions. His works provided a more narrative-driven approach, showing interactions between riders, horses, and servants, as seen in this painting.
Both artists played an important role in elevating sporting art as a distinct genre in 18th-century Britain, celebrating the country’s deep-rooted fascination with equestrian pursuits. Their work catered to the aristocracy, who sought to display their wealth, social status, and passion for hunting and racing through commissioned paintings like this one.
- Creator:James Seymour (1702 - 1752, British)
- Dimensions:Height: 41 in (104.14 cm)Width: 57 in (144.78 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Stoke, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU446315748692
James Seymour
James Seymour was an English painter, widely recognized for his equestrian art. He was born in London. His father was an amateur artist and art dealer, whose other business dealings as a banker, goldsmith, and diamond merchant afforded young Seymour the leisure time to study art on his own, either his father's or the art at the Virtuosi Club of St. Luke - a gentleman's club his father belonged to, specializing in art. In a short time, the boy was a self-taught artist, familiar with many of the prominent artists of the period. Seymour's love for art was matched only by his love for horses. He began spending time at racetracks early on, and before long found himself absorbed in the sport - drawing, painting, owning, breeding and racing horses. Seymour’s art proved popular among the prominent sporting families of the day, eventually garnering Seymour patrons in Sir William Jolliffe and Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset. Jolliffe's love for horses and art proved great, and his will would later establish an equestrian statue in Hampshire. In time, Seymour's work and fame had spread throughout Europe and America. Though ultimately his love for horseracing led to his financial ruin, Seymour still ranks among the most important early sporting artists, together with John Wootton and Peter Tillemans being considered one of the three founders of the sporting school.
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