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George Gascoyne
Race Horse Phoenix with Guilermo Kemmis - British 19th century art oil painting

1889

About the Item

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) winner Gospodar and Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas) winners Governor (1900) and Gouvernant (1904). Belle Etoile and Garenne, in turn, are out of the Emancipation mare Jessie, whose dam Eliza was sired by 1813 Two Thousand Guineas and Derby Stakes winner Smolensko. The next dam in Phoenix's tail-female line, Epsom Lass, won a number of 4-mile Royal Plates during her racing career and also produced an unnamed daughter of Orville, whose good staying son son Slane (by Royal Oak) was the English champion sire of 1845. Epsom Lass is by 1787 Derby Stakes winner and nine-time English champion sire Sir Peter Teazle and is a full sister to Houghton Lass, dam of the important sire Comus, and to Zaida, dam of 1823 One Thousand Guineas and Oaks Stakes winner Zinc (by Woful) and 1821 One Thousand Guineas winner Zeal (by Partisan). George Gascoyne (1862-1933). Painter and etcher born in Sittingbourne, Kent. Gascoyne studied at the Slade School of Fine Art under Alphonse Legros in the early 1880's and in 1900 married Ethel Slade King also a painter in London. He often painted horses and was acomplished at capturing their characteristics and personalities. He has held addresses in London, Kent and Somerset. Exhibited: British Institute1, Glasgow Institute 1, Walker Gallery Liverpool 18, New English Art Club 4, Royal Academy 21, Royal Society of British Artists 1, Royal Society of Painters, Etchers and Engravers 60, Ridley Art Club 35, Royal Institute of Oil Painters 9, Royal Scottish Academy 1.
  • Creator:
    George Gascoyne
  • Creation Year:
    1889
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 36 in (91.44 cm)Width: 44 in (111.76 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU853113078142

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