Lot 191: John Wootton (Snitterfield, Warwicks. c . 1682-1764 London)

John Wootton (Snitterfield, Warwicks. c. 1682-1764 London)
A dark bay racehorse held by a jockey, with a couple of hounds, by an archway, in a landscape
inscribed 'Ditchley.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
40 x 50 in. (101.6 x 127 cm.)

In the current owner's family since at least the early 20th Century.

PROPERTY OF A NOBLEMAN
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
The earl's coronet on the keystone of the arch in the picture appears to be accompanied by the letter 'N' in monogram (with a mirror image); possible Earldoms beginning with N of the time include Northesk, Northampton and Northumberland. The significance of 'Ditchley' has not yet been established. The house of that name was, in the 18th Century, the seat of the Earls of Lichfield; more likely perhaps the name refers to the horse.