Road Master
Attributed to E. W. Lovejoy, American, active c. 1870
Geography:
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1870Medium:
Oil on cardboardDimensions:
10 5/8 x 23 3/8 inches (27 x 59.4 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
1972-262-8Credit Line:
The Collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1972
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1870Medium:
Oil on cardboardDimensions:
10 5/8 x 23 3/8 inches (27 x 59.4 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1972-262-8Credit Line:
The Collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1972
Label:
By the 1850s, the breeding, training, and racing of trotting horses in the United States was such a popular pastime that it was referred to as "the people's sport." This painting derives from a popular colored lithograph of the celebrated trotter Ethan Allen and his owner. The horse's distinct markings-three white feet and long flowing tail-have been copied from the original lithograph, but the inscription suggests that the painter adapted the image to another subject, perhaps as a special commission. Because it was common practice for artists to inscribe the bottom of prints and paintings with information about their subjects, the inscription "Road Master" likely refers to the horse's name and "E. W. Lovejoy" was either the owner or the painter.
By the 1850s, the breeding, training, and racing of trotting horses in the United States was such a popular pastime that it was referred to as "the people's sport." This painting derives from a popular colored lithograph of the celebrated trotter Ethan Allen and his owner. The horse's distinct markings-three white feet and long flowing tail-have been copied from the original lithograph, but the inscription suggests that the painter adapted the image to another subject, perhaps as a special commission. Because it was common practice for artists to inscribe the bottom of prints and paintings with information about their subjects, the inscription "Road Master" likely refers to the horse's name and "E. W. Lovejoy" was either the owner or the painter.
