Richard Stone Reeves (American, 1919-2005), Arctic Tern, Chantilly

Oil on canvas, 1977, signed at lower right, titled and dated at lower left, presented in a giltwood frame with nameplate at lower center "Arctic Turn / By Sea Bird - Bubbling Beauty, by Hasty Road / Won Prix Thomas Byron, Prix Fontaine Bleau, Prix Ganay."

Stretcher size 22 x 28 1/4 in.; Frame dimensions 28 1/4 x 34 1/4 in.

From the Estate of the late Peggy Augustus, Old Keswick, Virginia

Richard Stone Reeves was one of the foremost equine portraitists of the 20th century. Born in New York and trained at Syracuse University, Reeves rose to prominence in the late 1940s, quickly becoming the artist of choice for racing’s most distinguished owners in America, Europe, and the Middle East. Over his long career, he painted nearly every major champion of his era, from Native Dancer to Secretariat.

Among his European commissions is this portrait of Arctic Tern captured at Chantilly in July 1977, with the estate and grounds visible in the background. Chantilly is considered the heart of French Thoroughbred training. It is home to France’s largest training center, with thousands of horses stabled there.

Very good condition.