$1,840
James J. McAuliffe (American, 1848-1921) Portrait of the Trotter Henry. Signed "J. McAuliffe" l.l. Oil on canvas, 25 x 35 1/2 in., framed. Condition: Lined, repaired tears and losses, retouched, varnish inconsistences. N.B. According to the consignor, who is active himself in harness racing, this painting is one of three portraits of the famous bay trotter Henry, a contemporary of the trotting mares Goldsmith Maid and Lucy, as well as the subject of two Currier & Ives prints (Conningham nos. 903 and 904). The descendants of Mrs. Thorne Parshall, a prominent figure in harness racing, own another portrait of the horse. The third portrait of the three commissioned by the horse's owner was destroyed by fire. Henry, sired by Harry Lathrop and descended on his dam's side from Blood's Blackhawk, held a record time of 2:20 1/4 at Boston's Beacon Park.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2001-10-28
