Located in Hagley, England
This superb British 19th century equine oil painting is by noted horse lover, George Gascoyne. Painted in 1889, this French born chestnut horse is Phoenix. While he was essentially a miler, Phoenix (sometimes seen spelled as “Phenix”) came from a family that had produced Classic winners in France at up to 15 furlongs. He proved an excellent sire following his export to Argentina, becoming the foundation stallion for Guillermo Kemmis' breeding program at Haras Las Rosas. This painting is from his time in Argentina with Kemmis. Phoenix is depicted in a flat landscape against a vivid blue sky. A gentleman, possibly his owner, Guillermo Kemmis, stands smiling in front of him holding his reigns and gives perspective to how tall Phoenix is. Although in profile, Phoenix is turning to look at the viewer, his chestnut coat gleaming and his anatomy perfectly portrayed. This is a superb Victorian equine portrait of a noted horse in the 19th century and is a lovely example of Gascoyne's work as a horse lover.
Signed with initials and dated GG 1889 lower right.
Provenance. Inscribed "Phenix" (Cymbal -- Belle-Etoile) by George Gascoyne, Sittingbourne, Kent to reverse.
Condition. Oil on canvas, 36 inches by 28 inches and in good condition.
Frame. Housed in a wooden frame, 44 inches by 36 inches and in good condition.
HORSE BIOGRAPHY
Phoenix (FR) 1875 – 1893? Chestnut horse.
Cymbal (GB) x Belle Etoile (FR), by First Born (FR)
Family 25. While he was essentially a miler, Phoenix (sometimes seen spelled as “Phenix”) came from a family that had produced Classic winners in France at up to 15 furlongs. He proved an excellent sire following his export to Argentina, becoming the foundation stallion for Guillermo Kemmis' breeding program at Haras Las Rosas.
Race record. Complete record unavailable but as follows:
1878: Won Prix de la Forêt (FR, 1600mT, Longchamp)
1879: Won July Cup (ENG, 6FT, Newmarket July). Won Rous Memorial Stakes (ENG, 8FT, Ascot). Won Bunbury Stakes (ENG, Newmarket). 2nd Rosebery Handicap (ENG, Epsom)
1880: Won Lennox Stakes (ENG, Goodwood)
As a stallion: Phoenix was the Argentine champion sire six times, reaching the top in 1887-1890, 1892 and 1895.
Notable progeny: Hawk Eye (ARG), Lenape (ARG), Marinera (ARG), Osiris (ARG), San Martín (ARG), Surplice (ARG)
Connections: Phoenix was owned by Comte Frédéric de Lagrange. After being exported to Argentina, he stood at Haras Las Rosas, the stud farm of leading Argentine breeder Guillermo Kemmis. His last known foals were born in 1894.
Pedigree notes: Phoenix is outcrossed through five generations. Sired by Cymbal, a son of 1861 Derby Stakes winner Kettledrum, he is out of Belle Etoile, whose half sister Garenne (by Gladiator or Ethirion or Freystrop) is the second dam of 1894 Prix Royal-Oak (French St. Leger) winner Gouvernail and the third dam of 1894 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby...
Category
1880s Realist Arthur Wardle Portrait Paintings
