Circle of Henry Alken (British, 1785-1851)

Two horses, erroneously said to be Bessie Bedlam and the Colonel, racing head to head
oil on board
22.5 x 30cm

Provenance:
Sale, 13th January 1978, lot 110

The horses cannot be identified as not only had the Colonel had a white face and a white sock, but the colours of the riders are not those of the owners of Bessie Bedlam and the Colonel.

Condition Report

Oil on board. The support is slightly bowed forward and has possibly been affected by moisture in the past, at the left and upper edge there is some swelling in the board. Stress cracks have formed in the paint layer but overall it is stable and secure. There are areas of retouching in foreground and in the brown horse. The painting has a thick, discoloured varnish layer. There are some scuffs and scratches across the varnish surface. The frame is in a good condition.