John Frederick II HERRING (British 1815-1907) – “Young boy with a pony and his dogs”.
Oil on panel signed lower right, partially legible date “1885” (?)
and also having a later name ‘Fraser’ scratched with a needle at the bottom right. This exquisite work depicts a young boy with a steel grey pony, a small terrier and spaniel. This is a genuine work by this well known and respected equestrian artist and has been authenticated after undergoing a professional expertise. John Frederick Herring, Jr. sometimes signed his works as J. F. Herring Jr. or J. F. Herring Fraser. The “Fraser” in his signature being his mother’s maiden name, as his mother was Mary Ann Fraser.
Frame in wood and gilded stucco with floral decoration, double borders and ribbon decoration on the corners in low relief. Slight shrinkage to the painted panel but overall in very good condition. Dimensions: 24 x 29 cm.
Framed 55 x 49cm. John Frederick Herring Jr. (1820–1907) was an English painter known for his equestrian and sporting scenes, much like his father, John Frederick Herring Sr. Herring Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful artist in his own right. Born in Doncaster, England, in 1820, John Frederick Herring Jr. was the son of the renowned artist John Frederick Herring Sr. He was brought up in a family with a strong artistic tradition, and from an early age, he showed talent and interest in painting. Herring Jr. received artistic training from his father, who was a prominent painter of equestrian and animal subjects. He adopted a similar style to his father, specialising in sporting and hunting scenes, as well as landscapes with horses and other animals. His works often depicted lively action and detailed depictions of horses and their riders. Like his father, Herring Jr. achieved considerable success as an artist during his lifetime. He exhibited his works at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy in London and the British Institution. His paintings were well-received by both critics and patrons, and he garnered a reputation for his skilful portrayal of horses and sporting scenes. Herring Jr. sometimes signed his works as J. F. Herring Jr. or J. F. Herring Fraser. The addition of “Fraser” to his signature is believed to have been a reference to his mother’s maiden name. John Frederick Herring Jr.’s works continue to be admired by art enthusiasts and collectors today. His paintings are sought after for their vibrant compositions, technical proficiency, and depiction of equestrian and sporting subjects. John Frederick Herring Jr. made a significant contribution to the tradition of British sporting art, following in the footsteps of his father while also establishing his own distinctive style and reputation as an artist.
