A Bull and Figures Outside a Barn in a Wooded Landscape

$9,000. - 12,000.

Provenance: Frost & Reed

After succeeding his father in the Ketton tenancy in 1782, Charles Colling endeavored to begin a program to improve the quality of cattle in the Tees River Valley. He was soon aided in this endeavor by his brother Robert, the tenant of another farm in the district. Together the two brothers would become the first scientific breeders of Shorthorn, or Durham, beef cattle. After paying extensive visits to Robert Bakewell of Leicestershire in 1783, the brothers began pairing his ideals with their own. Along with selecting the best available local stock, their approach soon propelled the Shorthorn to the position of Britain’s premiere cattle breed. This systematic breeding program, first of its kind, produced Comet, the most expensive bull of the age.

A commission to paint the Colling Brother’s white Shorthorn heifer brought Thomas Weaver to County Durham. From there the artist was able to build a lucrative relationship with the brothers, receiving additional commissions to paint their prize livestock. This Durham Ox was likely bred by Charles Colling & is a fine example of the breeding standard set by the two brothers.