John E. Ferneley, Sr. (English, 1782-1860), Mary Mason (Ferneley), Her Daughter, and Neice

Oil on canvas (lined), 1840, not signed, dated at lower center, retaining exhibition label to the verso, framed.

Stretcher size 30 1/2 x 26 in.; Frame dimensions 35 3/4 x 31 1/4 in.

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

Mrs. Major Guy Paget, Leicester

John E. Ferneley, Sr. was one of England’s most celebrated sporting artists, renowned for his dynamic depictions of horses, hounds, hunts, and racing scenes. Born in Thrussington, Leicestershire, his artistic ability was recognized early by the Duke of Rutland, who arranged for him to apprentice with the sporting painter Benjamin Marshall. Ferneley also studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London, exhibiting there as early as 1806.

After several years working in Ireland on commission for aristocratic patrons, Ferneley settled in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, around 1814. At the time, Melton was the heart of England’s fox-hunting society, and Ferneley found a steady stream of wealthy clients, including figures such as Beau Brummell and the Count d’Orsay. Ferneley exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and the British Institution, and he maintained a studio at his home “Elgin Lodge” in Melton Mowbray.

Exhibited:
John Ferneley 1782-1860, Leicester Museums and Art Gallery, Leicester, 1960.

Literature:
Major Guy Paget, a 20th-century sporting art collector and writer, was one of Ferneley's biggest champions. The Melton Mowbray of John Ferneley(1931).

The painting has been lined, with age cracking, areas of flaking, and retouching.