This charming late 19th-century oil painting by British artist John Sturgess (1839-1908) depicts a smartly-attired rider taking refreshments at The Magpie pub. It’s essentially a Victorian ‘drive-through’.
Leaning steadily to his left, he reaches for a pint while still firmly in the saddle. It’s a skill he’s clearly mastered. A lady, perhaps the innkeeper, raises a tray and offers up his ale. Let’s hope he didn’t have too many. Alongside, a chesnut horse is without its rider. Perhaps it belongs to the artist?
John Sturgess was considered one of the finest illustrators of equestrian subjects. His father was a groom so he possibly assisted at the local stables. He painted each horse from life, carefully studying its unique characteristics and temperament. Victorian critics marvelled at his attention to detail, particularly with regards to tack (saddles, harnesses etc).
His childhood was spent on the Gumley Hall Estate in Leicestershire, which had two public houses. Neither were called The Magpie but, undoubtedly, they were popular with riders.
Signed in the lower left and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 16½” x 18½” / 42cm x 47cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear including a few minor scratches.
Artist’s auction maximum: £23,000
John Sturgess was a British painter, illustrator and lithographer of sporting scenes and equestrian subjects. He trained under the eminent John Frederick Herring Senior (1795-1865) and he’s represented in the Government Art Collection.
Learn more about John Sturgess in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
