John Frederick II HERRING (1815-1907) – Young boy with a pony and his dogs

John Frederick Herring Jr. – Young Boy with a Pony and His Dogs

An exquisite 19th-century British sporting painting by John Frederick Herring Jr. (1820–1907). The scene shows a young boy with a steel-grey pony, a small terrier and a spaniel.

The painting is executed in oil on panel. Herring Jr. signed the work at the lower right. A partially legible date, possibly 1885, also appears on the panel. The name “Fraser” was later scratched into the lower right corner.

The work has undergone professional examination and has been authenticated as a genuine painting by John Frederick Herring Jr.

The intimate scene shows the boy standing beside his pony. Two dogs accompany him. Herring Jr. paid close attention to the animals, capturing their individual character and natural movement.

The painting has a charming rural atmosphere. Its restrained setting keeps the focus on the boy, pony and dogs.

The work sits within an ornate gilded wooden and gesso frame. The frame features floral decoration, double borders and ribbon motifs in low relief.

About the Artist

John Frederick Herring Jr. (1820–1907) was a British painter known for his equestrian, sporting and animal subjects.

He was born in Doncaster, England, in 1820. His father was the celebrated sporting artist John Frederick Herring Sr.Herring Jr. followed his father’s artistic tradition and developed a successful career of his own.

He specialised in paintings of horses, dogs and sporting scenes. His work reflects the Victorian fascination with country life, hunting and equestrian culture.

Herring Jr. exhibited at important British institutions, including the Royal Academy in London and the British Institution. Collectors valued his detailed studies of horses and sporting subjects.

He sometimes signed his paintings “J. F. Herring Jr.” or “J. F. Herring Fraser.” The name “Fraser” refers to his mother’s maiden name, Mary Ann Fraser.

Today, collectors continue to seek out Herring Jr.’s paintings. His work is particularly appreciated by collectors of Victorian sporting art, equestrian paintings and British animal paintings.

Details

Artist: John Frederick Herring Jr. (1820–1907)
Nationality: British
Period: Late 19th century
Date: Possibly 1885
Subject: Young boy with a pony and two dogs
Medium: Oil on panel
Signature: Signed lower right
Painting dimensions: 24 × 29 cm
Framed dimensions: 49 × 55 cm
Frame: Gilded wood and gesso with floral and ribbon decoration
Origin: England

Condition

The painting is in very good overall condition. The panel shows slight shrinkage and minor signs of age.

A professional examination has authenticated the work. The frame is also in very good condition, with a small number of minor losses to the decoration.

Please examine the photographs carefully for further details of the painting and frame.