Private Collection, England

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good, clean condition. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals a few scattered lines of cosmetic infilling in the sky, to the horse's neck and forelegs and minor spots in the foreground. FRAME Held in a plaster gilt frame in fair condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Harry Hall was one of the most successful and prolific horse painters of the mid-nineteenth century, with a style considerably more modern than many of his contemporaries.  He was born in Cambridge and entered the racing world working for Tattersalls where he contributed to British Racehorses and The Sporting Review.  He gained further exposure through the media  becoming chief artist for The Field and contributing racing subjects for the London News. &nꦕbsp; Unsurprisingly, Hall moved fro♉m London to Newmarket where he remained for the rest of his life painting some of the finest racehorses of the age.

Lecturer was a bay colt foaled in 1863 by Colsterdale out of Algebra.  Running for Mr Alfred Day he enjoyed little success as a two year old and was sold to the Marquess of Hastings.  Hi♒s form improved dramatically winning the New Plate, the Free Handi🍨cap and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket, as well as the County members plate at Bath.  His most successful year was undoubtedly 1867 where he triumphed in a Queen's Plate at Northampton, the Gold Cup and the Alexandra Plate at Royal Ascot, the Hurstbourne Cup at Stockbridge and the Stamford Cup.