Saddlebred Art Auction Produces Record Setting Price
Thursday, July 21, 2005
LEXINGTON, KY – According to Sporting Art authorities at Sotheby’s Auction House, a George Ford Morris oil painting brought a record price at the American Saddlebred Museum’s July 16th Art, Antique and Rare Book Auction in Lexington, KY. The 36” x 40” oil on canvas of a Four-In-Hand painted by Morris in 1903 was the featured consignment at the Museum’s annual auction. The painting was purchased by Tom Caisse and Steve DeBolt – Boxford Stud, LaGrange, KY for $135,000.
Prior to this sale, the highest known price paid at public auction for one of Morris’ works was for an oil of the legendary Wing Commander that hung in the Castleton Farm business office and sold for $25,000 in 2001. However, that sale was unrecorded with ArtNet, the official record-keeping site for art auctions. The highest recorded sale to date was $4,889.
“The American Saddlebred Museum was honored to have this magnificent piece of artwork consigned to its auction”, said Tolley Graves, Director of the Museum. “The record price realized by this painting indicates a strong demand exists for quality sporting art within the equine community. I’m especially gratified to see that George Ford Morris’ work is finally receiving the recognition and respect it so richly deserves. He was unparalleled in his ability to capture the expression and soul of an animal through its eyes and to depict its essence through movement.”
Other Highlights of the July 16 Auction include:
George Ford Morris (American, 1873 – 1960) “Percheron Breeding Farm”. Original Charcoal Signed and Dated 1926. 23” x 25”. This work was created in Morris’ Paris, France studio and is pictured on page 274 of his Portraitures of Horses book. He gained affinity for draft horses after visiting Concours Hyppique at Porte de Versailles. Realized $10,000.
George Ford Morris (American, 1873 – 1960) “Lucky Jacqueline”. Original Oil on Canvas Signed and Dated 1943. 9” x 12”. Champion five-gaited mare of the 1940’s ridden by Mrs. Andrea Dobbs and trained by Dick Duncan. Realized $8,500.
George Ford Morris (American, 1873 – 1960) “Wembley Sensation”. Original Watercolor. 16” x 20”. This noted Hackney stallion was imported in 1911 and shown extensively by R.C. Vanderbilt, Newport, R.I. Realized $7,000.
George Ford Morris (American, 1873 – 1960) “Head of A Five-Gaited Champion”. Original Oil signed and Dated 1949. 11 ½” x 8 ½”. The Saddlebred expression epitomized. Realized $6,500.
Frank Whitney (American, 1860 - ?) “1904 Chicago Horse Show Poster”. Original Advertising Poster 19 ½” x 12 ½”. Good condition. Rare opportunity to purchase a quality Frank Whitney poster. Realized $5,500.
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