Charles TOWNE (1763-1840, English)
Racehorse ‘Abba Thule’ and Standing Jockey
Oil on canvas
Signed & dated 1793
Framed 40.5 x 53.5 inches
Price: Price on Application
Charles Towne was an English painter of landscapes, horses and other animals with a particular skill for horse racing and hunting scenes. Born in Wigan, his talent for art was apparent from a young age and he received some training from John Rathbone in Leeds. By the 1790s Towne was an established animal painter with a style reminiscent of Stubbs. He lived in London from 1799-1804, during which time he exhibited at the Royal Academy. His work was well regarded by his contemporaries including Joseph Farrington, but he was also noted as a man of “coarse, debased manners and conversation”.
The painting is of the racehorse ‘Abba Thule’ and his jockey. The paper in the foreground reads:
“Abba Thule got by Young Marsk, Dam by Chastworth, Granddam by Engineer - Wilson’s Arabian Hutton’s Spot Mogul - Pantons Crab. Bay Bolton - Cuswen Bay Barb - Old Spot White legged Lowther Barb.
Abba Thule has won twelve 50£ Plates Three sweepstakes, the King’s Plate at Carlisle, a Gold Cup at Doncaster, beating Dubskelper and several others, he likewise won two Gold Cups at Richmond, beating Dubskelper, Windlestone, Rosamond, Harm, Trenmere and several others, Abba Thule’s yet in training.”