Today for Thursday Art day I wanted to explore the history behind J.F. Herring’s painting “Pharaoh’s Horses” first exhibited in 1848 under the title “Pharaoh’s Chariot Horses.”
It shows three head studies of the grey Arabian stallion Imaum, originally owned by QueenVictoria. She presented Imaum to her Clerk of the Royal Stables, who then sold him to Tattersall’s where he was purchased by the artist J.F. Herring. Used as a model for many of his paintings including ‘Pharaoh’s Horses’ Herring kept him his whole life. It is reported a trainer was hired to train Imaun to lie down, to be ‘housebroken.’ This well respected trainer said Imaun was the most brilliant horse he had ever worked with. Herring dearly loved Imaun and it’s quite possible to pick out the specific horses paintedby Herring using Imaun as a model. Imaun is all three heads in the ‘Pharaoh’s Horses’, as well as other horses in many of the Herring paintings.
This image is well known and loved; in fact it has even become a popular tattoo. I found this captivating article below by Palmer Utterback and included the link so anyone interested can read more. I have one of these wonderful old prints given to me by a friend. My print below:
RIDING THE TRAIL OF THE PHARAOH’S HORSES
by Palmer Utterback www.skinink.com
The story of Pharaoh’s Horses begins with the puzzling existence of two nearly identical paintings. One version is by a well-known British painter, the other by an unknown artist. Which painting is older? Is it the version by the famous Brit? Or could it be the unsigned painting discovered at a Missouri flea market in the fall of 1987?
The widely circulated image, Pharaoh’s Horses, is based on an 1848 painting by British sporting and animal painter John Fredrick Herring Sr. As a young man, Herring was a stagecoach driver in northern England. By the time of his death, in 1865, he was a highly successful artist known to King George IV and later Queen Victoria. In the British art journal of the time, Pharaoh’s Horses were listed as one of Herring’s most popular images. The image found its way into many American and European homes by the late-1800s as a mezzotint engraving. His painting is a circular composition of three white, charging Arabian horses. This painting was thought to be the oldest rendition of Pharaoh’s Horses when it auctioned at Christie’s in London for $445,500 in 1986.
Discovered at a Flea Market: In the fall of 1987, while searching for a good deal at a flea market, Randy Tyree, a painter and art enthusiast from Lislie, Missouri, came across an old square-shaped oil painting of three white Arabian horses charging into a stormy sea. He purchased the painting for $25. Though the painting was unsigned, he sensed it was an important find. To learn of the image’s identity, he sent a photograph to Christie’s auction house in New York for an appraisal. He was told that he had an old copy of the painting titled Pharaoh’s Horses by J.F. Herring Sr. Tyree didn’t accept the opinion that his painting was a copy. So, for the next five years he fought a difficult uphill battle to establish the painting’s age and origin.
But how does one establish the age of an unsigned painting of undetermined origin? There is a field of forensic research dedicated to the study of paint pigments and cloth fibres. Dr. Walter McCrone of the McCrone Research Institute in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the world’s top pigment and fibre analysts. He is commissioned by institutes such as the Louvre to examine and date works said to be by artists such as Rembrandt and Manet. He became well-known for his examination of the Shroud of Turin and a carpet-fibre analysis that led to a conviction in the 1982 Atlanta “child murders.” Dr. McCrone tested the unsigned painting and concluded, “Most of these pigments were known before 1300. Only Van Dyke brown and Prussian blue date from 1700. This, plus the absence of 19th and 20th century (paints), strongly suggests an 18th-century date. The fact that the canvas is hand-woven further supports this conclusion.”
Experts Have Their Say: Tyree took the unsigned painting to England where Herring & Sons art historian, the Honourable Oliver Beckett, examined it. He wrote to Tyree, “It certainly looks as though you have acquired the painting which may have inspired J.F. Herring.” So the unsigned painting purchased at the Missouri flea market may be up to 100 years older than the “original” Herring version of Pharaoh’s Horses! However, it must be said: Dating the unsigned painting to the 18th century is controversial. A number of art experts do not accept the scientifically derived date. Christie’s, for example, still claims that the Herring Sr. painting is the original.
While both paintings feature three identically posed white Arabian horses, the mood projected by the two versions is somewhat different. The charging horses convey a sense of power, motion and fear in both paintings; however, the impression of impending doom is more pronounced in the unsigned version. The unsigned version depicts the horses being overcome by a stormy sea, while the water appears almost placid in the Herring version. Another difference is in the shape of the canvas. The Herring version is circular with a 30-inch diameter; the unsigned version is a 24×24-inch square. The Herring version has been widely circulated since the mid-1800s, while the unsigned version is not known to have been circulated until presented as a limited-edition lithograph by Tyree in 1999.
The artist of the unsigned version of Pharaoh’s Horses is still unknown; however, Tyree traced the painting to the Mossop family of England. In 1915, the Mossops immigrated to the United States, bringing the painting with them from Disington, Cumbria, in northern England, where they owned a tavern and livery stable. The painting hung in the tavern for many years. It is tempting to speculate that Herring, known to have driven stagecoaches in northern England, may have seen the painting somewhere in the area during his travels. Descendants of the Mossops brought the painting to the flea market where it was purchased in 1987.
Though engravings of Herring’s Pharaoh’s Horses have been widely circulated for some 150 years, the name of the artist and country of origin have remained obscure. This is because prints often did not credit the artist or, in at least one case, credited the incorrect artist. For example, there is a popular print currently in circulation that seems to be attributed to Rosa Bonheur. A framed engraving of Pharaoh’s Horses, referred to as “horse heads,” was sold for 75 cents in the 1902 Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalogue. Adding to the general confusion for well over 100 years, unauthorized images were copied and used in the ubiquitous fashion of modern-day clip art. Also, the painting remained in private ownership, and was not widely accessible to the general public for over 100 years prior to its auction at Christie’s in 1986. Herring’s painting did make an appearance as a colour reproduction in the Christie’s Review of the Season 1986, a publication of limited distribution. In 1986, the painting was quickly auctioned and again disappeared into private ownership.
Pharaoh’s Horses has been known as an engraving and marketing logo in America since the Civil War. The image was sold in the 1902 Sears catalogue, whereupon, it’s safe to say, it found its way into many homes across the country. The three charging steeds of Pharaoh’s Horses have endured since the 18th century; it seems to be blessed with a longevity that shows no sign of diminishing anytime soon.
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Photograph C Rowley
78 Responses
Linda Liddle
Hello,
Is a print available of this picture for purchase? If so, where and how much? Thank you.
Carmel
Hi Linda, As far as I know the print is available to purchase if you Google ‘The Pharaohs Horses’ print you will likely come up with a store which stocks the prints.
Good luck it’s a beautiful print, I enjoy mine every day.
Kind regards
Carmel
Graham Boettcher
To give you some idea of just how popular prints the print of Pharoah’s Horses had become, it can be seen in the background of Norman Rockwell’s painting “Solitaire” (1950), which appeared of the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on August 19, 1950. See: http://www.art.com/products/p9388040802-sa-i5446984/norman-rockwell-solitaire-august-19-1950.htm
Best regards,
Graham Boettcher
Curator of American Art, Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama
Brian B
My mother has a print of this that is at least 80 years old. It is round and has been re-framed. Do you have an idea of the value… or where to find that information. Thanks.
Brian
Carmel
Hello Graham,
Thank you for your reply and the link to the Rockwell painting ‘Solitaire’. Like most of the Rockwell’s the subject is a snapshot of the times and it makes me feel quite nostalgic. I remember my grandmother playing ‘Solitaire’ or as she used to call it ‘Patience’ when I was a child and I learnt the game from her and to have the print above the bed is perfect. Again, many thanks for bringing this to my attention.
With my kindest regards
Carmel
Marilyn Mallet
I have a sketch done in charcoal around 1870’s.
It is believe to have been done by Harry Horwood, the famous stained glass
maker. The sketch of the horses was the only one not found of all his sketches.
It was found in the attic of a house built in 1802 in Hemmingford, Quebec.
It is beautiful. I have had it cleaned by a professional, re-matted and re-glassed.
Last October, there was an exposition of Harry Horwood’s stained glass windows,
that had been made for a whiskey maker for his house in Prescott, Ontario.
My sketch was also put on exibition and the question asked: Could this be his sketch?.
It was not vindicated by Harry Horwood’s expert, but I believe it is, the name Harry
is on the back of the sketch. If you compare to his signature, to me it is the same.
Along with some other names of his family.
Anyway it is dear to me and I just thought I would share this with you.
Marilyn
Carmel
I have read this back again Marilyn and I’m amazed at everyone’s stories. Your artwork sounds wonderful and thank you for sharing.
Patrick Mehling
I have a oil painting that could be from the 1800s if not older. It is 24 inches by 24 inches. Look just like the one in your post here with the un wavy water in the background. Could this be the one that was found and resold? I would be happy to send pictures if needed. I live in Illinois Springfield and is only a hours from Tyree area. Did he sell the one he found and made it to Illinois. Sadley to say this on has some restoring issues
Thank you for your time
Patrick
Linda
Hello, I was very pleased to find your article regarding the pharaohs horses and how interesting the story behind it is. Quite a mystery. I have done some research as well since I found (behind another picture) a charcoal drawing of the same and done with great detail. This is unsigned as well. It was in an old frame and behind 100 yr. old glass. It is approx. 21X27. My research since the find was limited in the documentation, but I did learn of the unsigned painting found in 1987. Well that made my charcoal even more of a mystery, thinking it may have been the first rendering of the piece done by the original artist. But who was the original artist?
Now I think it really doesn’t matter, knowing that this piece was so exciting to many artists and obviously copied many times, I can just appreciate the artwork and the power and strength the horses emit.
Thank you for posting this most interesting story.
Carmel
More mystery Linda thanks so much for the post.
Andy Deexler
Carmel – Thanks for this story! I inherited a framed print from my great grandfather’s farm in Canton NY. Based on your article I would guess it’s one of the many 1902 vintage prints from the Sears catalog, that he mounted in a homemade circular frame. I remember the print on the farmhouse wall as a young child and will value this bit of my inheritance for nostalgic value. Thanks again for helping my curate another piece of art I inherited when my mother passed last year.
Carmel
Andy what a marvellous inheritance and I can tell by your comment that you will enjoy the print for years to come. I live with all my horsey paintings and prints and enjoy them every day. They are very special to me as we are now retired from breeding Arabian horses. Your print sounds beautifully framed and aren’t we all fortunate to have such pictures in our lives. Kindest regards Carmel
Bill Peterson
Finding a rendition of Herrings original: After many hours of searching, found one place wher you can buy a print of the original (in high qual): All Posters.com
Just ordered one as finding a copy or print of the original work is difficult.
I have another story of a find of an over 100 year old charcoal rendition of the work, and have been desperately trying to find the original to compare it to. As it turns out, my exquisite original charcoal that grabs you from 20 feet away seems to be more closely related to the square more “stormy” version of the purposed “earlier” work in size and appearance. Mine was matted in oval, but after taking it apart, the matting crumbled into dust in my hands as I removed it. That just added to my excitement. Of course, I knew I was not lucky enough to acquire an original of anything, but it all added to the mystery. And with most prints showing the” stormy” background, I still wonder which one of the two works inspired my charcoal, or many of the B&W prints I’ve seen
in antique shops in old frames selling for real money.
Never seen so much mystery and controversy over a work of art. And the one I possess is hypnotic in its drama and rendition so strong it may capture all your imagination. I could never part with it,
and do not need to know its pedigree. Whoever created it, has been made immortal by this work
Carmel
I agree it’s an interesting mystery and your story Bill is equally fascinating. My print was given to me as a gift and I love it. It would be nice to know more. Thanks so much for your post much appreciated.
Matt walters
I have inherited this picture from my grandma she said it was original. But I am not sure?
How so I upload a pic?
Carmel
What a lovely inheritance Matt, might be worth taking the picture to someone to check. Best of luck thanks for the post.
Claire
I have a wood carving of this piece. It was given to me by an old family friend. Have never seen one before. Happy to read so much history on it.
Carmel
A wood carving would be magnificent. Treasure it Claire, it’s an interesting history on a beautiful piece of artwork. Thanks for the post.
Virgil
I have I think is the original lithagragh done by C. W. Wass published at 31Ely place London. Any help with this will be appreciated.
Carmel
That would be amazing Virgil. I am no expert and I’m sure it would be worth taking it to someone to look at. Best wishes and thank you for the post.
Ron Esman
I have a very old oil painting that is identical to these, it is on old canvas and has some restoration, I find no signature, it is almost square about 14 x 16 inches, quite beautiful. I bought it at an antique mall, how can I find out anything about it, I can send photos.
Thanks,
Ron
Carmel
Ron I think it would be trial and error hunting down people who have expertise in the older equine artists. I wish I could be more help to everyone but I do enjoy that so many people love this artwork as much as I do. Many thanks, Carmel
Carmel
Hi Ron, my apologies somehow your post got lost in my notifications Fancy finding an old canvas, it truly sounds magical. I’d love to see a photograph and to be honest I can offer the same advice re finding more about it as per my answer to Holly. However I have a copy of The Dictionary of British Equestrian Artists by Sally Mitchell and I wonder if she might know more about the print. If I find out anything I will post it in the original Blog. Regards Carmel
Holly
I have a charcoal of the Pharoh’s Horses that has been passed down for several generations in my family. How can we find out how old it is or the value?
Carmel
Holly it’s hard to know where to take your charcoal. Maybe a local museum or do a search for art galleries that may concentrate on equine art. They may be able to give you a lead to follow. Thanks for sharing. Carmel
Lana O'Meara
Your story is fantastic. I stumbled across it on a search for the history of a print I purchased in an antique shop in White Sulphur Springs, WV, probably 35 years ago. The shop was located in the old spring house that sat at the bottom of the hill where the Federal Prison is located. BTW, the prison is where I believe both Martha Stuart and Tokyo Rose spent time.
My art is a charcoal sketch signed by Bessie Trent dated 1904. After reading your article, I assume Bessie drew it from the 1902 copy from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue. When I bought it, the glass was hand blown with a green tint. Unfortunately, I broke the glass and have had it professionally framed. My drawing is a copy of John Federick Herring’s work. I love and cherish it. Thanks for posting the history.
Carmel
Hi Lana, I love your story and I’m not surprised you cherish your drawing. Thank you for your fascinating post. Much appreciated. Kindest regards Carmel
visionary music
liked your ideas in this one
John Ridder
I just began to research one of these we have from a family estate. my version is in an old gilt frame and appears to have the texture of an oil painting…
Carmel
Thanks for the post John I’d love to hear where your research leads you. It appears there are quite a number of variations on the theme which makes it even more intriguing. All the best. Carmel
Bethann Swatzell
Hi, always i used to check weblog posts here early in the dawn, as i like
to learn more and more.
Linda Snyder
I have another question regarding ‘Pharoah’s Horses.” I also own a “engraving” of this painting, it is circular and in a square old oak frame. Under and around the bottom of the picture is information. On the left in very tiny print, it says “Painted by J.F. Herring, Sen. Animal Portrait Painter to HRH the Duchess of Kent.” Directly in the middle, under the horses, it continues saying “Published by Fishel, Adder & Swartz, New York.” Still directly under the painting and still in very tiny print, it says”Engraved by C.W. Wass engraver to HRH the Duchess of Cambridge.” Now the wording drops down, is much larger and in open block letters, “Pharoah’s Horses.” Below that is beautiful script lettering saying “To Richard Nicholson, Esq, of Clifton near Yorke.” Under that it says “is by permission respectfully Dedicated” there is a open space and it says this “Engraving from the Original Picturel” under this it says “this Engraving by his obliged Servant, Gilbert James” I have seen many of these pictures, but have never seen the writing, like this. I acquired mine in 1998 from a friend’s aunt, who was 94 and said the picture had belonged to her grandmother. Do all of these prints have the writing around them?
Carmel
Hello Linda,
It’s sounds as if you have something to treasure. How wonderful for you, unique and beautiful. Thank you for posting. Enjoy it every day. Best wishes Carmel
Christine
I also have a large, oil, reproduction of this painting in a gilt frame. My great-grandmother painted it. Mine is about 3 ft. square. Probably done in the 1920’s.
Carmel
Dear Christine, It sounds as if you have a magnificent painting. I imagine lots of different artists/painters tried out their talents painting those three charging steeds-and why not. No matter who painted them it’s fantastic to have such a painting. Very happy for you.
All the best,
Carmel
Pamelia Castillio
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Mrs. Geo O'Toole
I believe that I also have the original “Pharoah’s Horse.” I purchased it 31 years ago in New York at an estate sale. If you want me to send you a copy of this, please let me know. I will take a picture of it and upload it.
margaret watkins
I have a pharoahs horse picture it was framed in 1828 newspaper under it it is round wood frame, hung in living room of grandparents, over the years, at thier death i got it I have it, would like to know where to appraise or sell. It is origional i think.from that date. Margaret Watkins Apison Tn. 37302
Carmel
Hello Margaret, your picture certainly sounds original. I would do a search for appraisers of equine art of the era you might find someone within your area. Though an email to the bigger auction houses could be worth a try. They may answer. Sorry to not be more help thank you for sharing and good luck. Carmel
Brock Williamson
This sounds a lot like the print I have. Mine has a print company trademark in the bottom right edge. It was published by the Lyman H. Nelson Co., Portland, ME. I did find that company existed is the 1890s. So the print I have is almost 120 years old….interesting.
Carmel
Wow Brock. It’s sensational to know how many people right across the world have enjoyed the glorious print. Thanks so much for the share.
Kind regards Carmel
Starlene
I also have the Pharos Horses print in a circular oak frame. Looks to be from late 1800’s.
Carmel
Your print sounds wonderful. It’s marvelous how so many of us love this glorious print/painting. All the best and enjoy your print. Kind regards Carmel
Sarah
I too have a piece of this art work , mine is black and white or charcoal looks to be , in a beautiful silver etchd old frame . It came from my grandmothers estate . Oddly it is signed very different from what I have read of everyone else’s . Mine is very old as well but it is signed in cursive at an angle on the far right hand corner with the name Lacy Wood or Lucy Wood with the y coming back up under it’s self and the d in the wood in the same manner with a date wrote ’90 . Now I know it’s not from 1990 because it was in my family from before I was born , I was born in 77 and have remembered seeing it all of my life. I inherited it from my mother and I never questioned her about the piece . I just would like to find someone to take it to have it looked at . I can not find anything on the named signed . I am in north Texas, thank you for any help.
Carmel
Sarah, your Pharaoh’s Horses sounds incredible. I don’t know much more than what is shared on this thread but I did find more information. Though it possibly won’t help you very much it is interesting. I would do a little bit of visiting or contacting galleries to see if they know more. They may be able to give you leads from your area. I have pasted below some more info.
Let us all know if you eventually find out any more but as I said to others just enjoy the artwork every day. I know I do mine.
Many thanks for sharing your story.
Kind regards
Carmel
The Pharaoh’s Horses
The story of Pharaoh’s Horses begins with the puzzling existence of two nearly identical paintings. One version is by a well-known British painter, the other by an unknown artist. Which painting is older? Is it the version by the famous Brit? Or could it be the unsigned painting discovered at a Missouri flea market in the fall of 1987?
The widely circulated image, Pharaoh’s Horses, is based on an 1848 painting by British sporting and animal painter John Fredrick Herring Sr. As a young man, Herring was a stagecoach driver in northern England. By the time of his death, in 1865, he was a highly successful artist known to King George IV and later Queen Victoria. In the British art journal of the time, Pharaoh’s Horses was listed as one of Herring’s most popular images. The image found its way into many American and European homes by the late-1800s as a mezzotint engraving. His painting is a circular composition of three white, charging Arabian horses. This painting was thought to be the oldest rendition of Pharaoh’s Horses when it auctioned at Christie’s in London for $445,500 in 1986.
Robert Falk
I have a piece of etched glass with the image of Pharoah’s horses. The piece measures approximately 22″ wide by 28″ tall. It used to be a window in a door leading to the basement at my grandparents house. It’s quite old. My grandparents purchased the home in 1938. The door and etched glass appeared to be original to the home. It was built in 1895. As a young boy I was always drawn to it. When my grandparents passed, my aunt, knowing how much I loved it, had the glass removed and sent to me in California. I had it professionally framed and matted. I’ve scoured the internet trying to find any information on it but can’t find anything. Although I’ve seen paintings and sketchings of Pharaohs horses, I haven’t seen anything with etched glass. Have you seen or have any information that might help?
Andrew Van de Castle
My maternal grandfather made a charcoal version in 1904. It is hanging in my sister’s home in NC. I have a photo but cannot figure out a way to post it.
Carmel Rowley
Hi Andrew what a talented grandfather you have, a true family heirloom. Lana and Holly above mention their own charcoal versions. The Pharaohs Horses is such a beloved painting. We’re all so fortunate to have our beautiful works of art to enjoy. No so sorry with my new site there isn’t a way to post a photograph. But I am on Facebook if you would like to share it with me there. Thanks so much for the post. Kindest regards Carmel
Cynthia Tompkins
I have a wooden black round framed three horses .Not sure what media was used. It was bought from a 3 generation antique woman I knew, It appear to be 1880’s and was once advertising for the beer company in bars. I love the round frame. It hangs in My house and I love it.
Carmel
Hello Cynthia, aren’t we all fortunate to have versions of the Pharaoh’s horses. Your painting sounds wonderful and how interesting that the image was used for advertising. The round frame would be perfect I know my copy is square but with a round double matt and like you I adore it. Thank you so much for sharing it’s fabulous that this lovely artwork has touched so many hearts and is so treasured. Many thank again. Carmel
Diann McMillian
Hello Carmel, You speak of R.E.Tyree of Leslie,Mo. Well he is my brother. He still has the painting. If you would like to contact him his address is R.E. Tyree. 6167 Hwy AC Leslie,Mo.
Diann McMillian
You spoke of R.E.Tyree. He is my brother. If you would like to contact him his address is: R.E.Tyree 6167 Hwy AC Leslie, Mo. 63056. He still has the painting and would love to hear from you.
Carmel
Hello Diann, How exciting to hear from you. It’s also exciting for all the people who have followed this conversation over the years. As you probably gather people adore this artwork and will be interested in your post. It would be a delight to be in touch with your brother. We are in the middle of a big life change so it may be a little while but please tell him how much everyone enjoys this glorious painting and how VERY fortunate he is. His story is very special. With my kindest regards, Carmel
Susan Jarvis
I have a print of this in a round frame. I bought it close to 40 years ago in a small antique shop.
It was obviously very old when I bought it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was from the 1880s.
It hung in my dining room for years, and now hangs in a place of honor in my living room.
I don’t care if it’s worth anything, since monetary value means nothing to me when it comes to the things I love.
Stacey bloedel
I have a framed picture of the horses. Its a round frame. Definately from the late 1800s as I have a picture of my great grandmother at the piano, with the aforementioned picture above her piano. Great heirloom for future generations. Not that I would sell, but who would I contact to get appraised?
Nancy Deterding
Hello my name is Nancy
I own a painting Pharaoh’s horses by Hayley I think that was the name stamped on the back ever since 1957 and I would like to have somebody to look at it to see if is original .
Nancy Deterding
Hello my name is Nancy
I have a picture of Pharaoh’s horses it stamped on the back it’s in a black frame I believe it’s original but I’m not for sure I’ve had it ever since 1957 I would like to have it examined to see if it is an original or not and I might also say that I live in Missouri in Kansas City
Natalie
My sister found 2 paintings of a black horse behind a picture of a old painting..they were put between the painting and back of the painting..anyone know anything that this could b?
Nancy Deterding
How do you determine the age? I would like to know a little bit more information on my picture that I own. I’ve Pharaoh’s horses Herring This is stamped on the back. I’ve owned the picture every since 1957. I’ve enjoyed it for many years. I would be interested in selling but before I did I would like to know. The values so I could get fair market Price.
Sincerely Nancy deterding
Carol A Hornak
Hi
I recently purchased a huge round Pharaohs Horses print in a gesso frame. It’s GORGEOUS! I wish I could post a picture of it. My thought was that some commenters on here have photos and I would submit my picture on it. Alas, I found nowhere to do that. Where can I send a picture?
Thank you!
Carol
Eleise saint
We have this painting in our house its unsigned and the diameters are (24×24) I am trying to find if its actually older then the one by Herring.We know its not printed because the paint is wearing off and the canvas is wearing down.
Carmel
Sounds exciting Eleise thank you for the comment. I’m sure many of us would like to know what you eventually find out about the painting. Looks like you have an exciting journey ahead.
Eleise saint
We have this painting in our house its unsigned and the diameters are (24×24) I am trying to find if its older then the one by Herring.We know its not printed because the paint is wearing off and the canvas is wearing down.Its a square painting of the “The pharoahs chariot horses”.
Nancy Deterding
I never got answered any of my questions Maya picture is 24 by 24 original frame and a stamped on the back what do I do to determine the age an answer would be appreciative
Carmel Rowley
Hello Nancy,
Apologies for not replying sooner but my life has been very challenging of late. I have to say your picture sounds fantastic but I am not an authority concerning value, simply an enthusiast. However, it would be worth doing the rounds of or giving the antique shops or art galleries’ in your general area a call. There maybe someone who can help or give you the name of a person who could value the picture for you. How wonderful for you to have enjoyed this painting for so many years.
I wish you every success.
Kindest regards
Carmel
Carmel
So sorry Nancy, it’s been a very difficult few years. I’m far from and expert but as I said to several people maybe you could begin by asking people or art experts about this.
Below a couple of websites to check especially the Sotherbys link below. Copy and paste into your browser and you will find the painting.
Kindest regards
Carmel
https://www.paintingmania.com/pharaohs-horses-215_31141.html
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/european-art-paintings-sculpture/after-john-frederick-herring-snr-pharaohs-horses
Manuel Jamann
Hello,
A few years ago I found the image “Pharaoh’s Horses” on the attic when a household was closed.
It is identical to the one in the British Museum (No. 2010,7081,6233).
Except that it was not published by Adler & Schwartz, New York.
On mine it says in the same place; “London Published at 31 Ely Place.E.C.”
Can you tell me something about this picture?
Do I have a little “sweetheart” here?
Unfortunately, I can’t find anything on the Internet.
Greeting: Manuel.Jamann
Carmel
Hi Manuel, Gosh, what a fantastic find I have my fingers crossed for you. I’m not an expert so I feel you will have to start personally ringing or emailing the people who might know starting with the places you mentioned. Most would have a website with hopefully a contact link. Finding out about these painting isn’t easy but even if nothing comes of the effort you come away with some knowledge. We could all do with the Antiques Roadshow visiting our areas. In saying that, they may have a website. You want to contact bonafide knowledgeable people.
I have a print of The Pharaohs Horses (as per the blog) given to me as a gift and I adore it. Apologies for not being more help. But maybe it’s worth your effort in following up re the above on what you already know.
Wishing you every success.
Kindest regards
Carmel
Susan
Good day!
I have a print of The Pharaoh’s Horses I bought over 40 years ago at the estate auction of an old woman’s household. I have recently purchased a pair of cast bronze bookends exactly like the print, but can’t find any info on them. My online research has only turned up bookends being represented as Pharaoh’s Horses, but which are not the same. The original print and my bookends are obviously Arabian horses with the center horse’s nose overlaying the back horse’s face, while the bookends have all three faces parallel and are bot clearly Arabians. Can you enlighten me at all on this? Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
Carmel
Another slow reply from me, so sorry Susan. Your print and bookends sound amazing. I’m not in any way an expert but it would be a great bit of detective work for you to do some investigation. I have no idea of value but if you love them and enjoy them to me this is the whole point of art. All the best Carmel
Suzanne Cook
I wasn’t familiar with The Pharaoh’s Horses until I noticed the picture was on a wall in numerous old western TV shows such as Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, and Tales of Wells Fargo. The frames were different but always the same print. I got excited whenever I saw it and would exclaim to my husband, “Look, there it is again!”. I didn’t know the name of the picture so I Googled “Picture of 3 horses heads in old westerns” and was amazed at all the information. I was absolutely delighted! I didn’t get a tattoo but I’m definitely a fan of the picture!
Carmel
You’re so correct Suzanne once you begin to notice the print it begins to pop up all over the place. Lovely to have another fan of the glorious piece of artwork. Kind regards Carmel
Charlotte Eiland
I,too have a print of the famous horse trio I bought at a yard sale in Virginia. I also have another similar print of two horses reacting in fear of an approaching electrical storm and a third print of two horses dramatically reacting to a large snake.Looks as though all three portraits could have been created by the same artist. They are all about the same size and I had them professionally framed without checking for any info printed on them. They have hung as a beautiful trio on my living room wall for many years.
Carmel
Well done Charlotte, I know the prints you mention. At least I’m sure I have the one of the two horses reacting to lightning storm and with that one I have both then racing away. I can only imagine how lovely your wall looks with these wonderful old prints positioned together. Many thanks for sharing. Kind regards Carmel
Suzanne Cook
Add one more old western to the list of shows the Pharaoh’s Horses has appeared in; I just saw it in an episode of “Bat Masterson.” This picture sure made the rounds! Of course, it’s a natural choice for the set dressers. My husband loves westerns and I find myself searching for the picture in every episode of every old western we watch!
Carmel
Isn’t it amazing how this print keeps popping up Suzanne. However considering the time it was painted 1848 it’s ideal to have in movies etc. I wonder what John H Herring would think if he knew how loved this painting has become? Many thanks Carmel
Gary A. Fellows
Recently when I went to the dump here in Litchfield, ME, in a little building where people drop off items they think may be useful or desirable to others (it’s called the “swap shop” – open only in the summertime) I happened to see a fairly nice old 20″ X 20″ oak frame with this picture in it. I wish there was a piece of glass for protection, but there is not. I took it home with me and now have it hanging by my great-great aunt’s old pump organ. “The Pharoah’s Horses” picture is 14 and a half inches in diameter and has a semi-gloss sheen to it. I don’t know how old it is, but judging by the frame, I think it is quite old. I really like it! (It is fun reading through the information, comments and stories found here about these horses!). Thank you for sharing it all!
Carmel
Hi Gary, sorry for the slow reply. What a great find and above your great great aunt pump organ sounds like the perfect place to enjoy it. It’s wonderful how many people enjoy this picture. Kindest regards carmel