Reality in a Wooded Landscape

Provenance: Christies New York June 7 1985. Lot #53 Reality by Sir Archy out of Old Medley was owned by William Johnson who often claimed that the mare was the equal to her great sire Sir Archy on the Turf. Indeed Reality was one of the greatest turf mares of the 19th century. Reality also was successful as a broodmare producing Johnson's Medley Slender and Bonnets o' Blue. There are several known paintings of Reality in a similar landscape but they are all dated 1835. The present work is signed "E. Troye July 1833" and Troye would go on to paint Reality at least twice more according to Alexander Mackay-Smith. Based upon the date of July 1833 the present painting was most likely painted for owner Johnson when Troye was completing a series of commissions (including Golliah and Trifle) all dating between June and August of that year.