John Charles Tunnard (British, 1873–1960) Portrait of the Chestnut Thoroughbred Stallion and Racehorse “Malchus” in Stable Oil on canvas, signed and dated 1895 Canvas dimensions unframed: 34 cm × 44 cm A finely detailed equestrian portrait by British artist John Charles Tunnard, depicting the chestnut thoroughbred stallion and racehorse Malchus standing in a stable. Tunnard’s skilled brushwork captures the stallion’s powerful musculature, glossy chestnut coat, and distinctive white markings, all set against a soft, neutral background that keeps the viewer’s attention firmly on the horse. Painted in 1895, this work reflects precision, anatomical accuracy and quiet dignity typical of the artist’s style and also seen in the sporting art of other artists of the period such as Lucas Lucas, an artist known for similar portraits of racehorses and hunting scenes. About the Artist: John Charles Tunnard (1873–1960) was a British painter specialising in equestrian, hunting, and animal subjects. Based in Bedfordshire, he produced commissions for prominent families, and his portraits were valued for their lifelike representation and understanding of equine form. His work often appeared in country-house collections, and he is recognised as the father of the celebrated British modernist painter John Tunnard (1900–1971). Examples of his paintings are held in private collections and occasionally appear at auction, where his racehorse portraits are particularly sought after. Signed lower right and dated 1895. Presented in a period oak frame with gilt slip, inscribed with the horse’s name. This painting is a superb example of late-19th-century British sporting art and will appeal to collectors of equestrian portraiture and admirers of fine thoroughbreds.
