John Frederick Herring Snr Paintings

John Frederick Herring Sr. was a notable 19th-century British painter, often recognized for his work depicting horses. He was born on September 12, 1795, in London, England. Before establishing himself as a successful artist, Herring worked in the city as a stagecoach driver, which was a job that fostered his deep appreciation for horses.

Herring’s talent for painting became apparent in his thirties. He initially earned recognition by painting inn signs and coach insignia, reflecting his earlier profession. However, his passion for equine subjects quickly became the central theme of his art. In 1814, Herring moved to Doncaster, located in the vicinity of some of the major horse racing events of the time. This proximity to racecourses provided him with abundant opportunities to observe and paint horses, solidifying his reputation as an equine artist.

By the 1830s, Herring had gained significant popularity, and his work caught the attention of the British aristocracy. He became a patronized artist of the Duke of Orleans and was later appointed as the Animal Painter to HRH the Duchess of Kent, followed by a commission from Queen Victoria, who was particularly impressed by his work. Herring's depictions of racehorses and their settings were not only artistically acclaimed but also highly sought after for their accuracy and attention to detail.

Throughout his life, Herring was a prolific artist, producing a large body of work that included oil paintings, watercolors, and engravings. His sons, John Frederick Herring Jr., Charles Herring, and Benjamin Herring, all became artists influenced by their father’s style and subject matter.

John Frederick Herring Sr. passed away on September 23, 1865. Today, his work is still celebrated and can be found in art collections worldwide. His contributions to the portrayal of horses have made him a beloved figure among equine art enthusiasts and an important artist in the field of British animal painting.