The Derby Days
- Watercolor, gouache
- 13 x 20 in
- John Withers
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Sold
$1,000. - 2,000.
Published in Illustrated London News, May 27, 1871
“ ‘Well, after all, it doesn’t take a good-looking horse to win a Derby,’ was a remark we overheard soon after Favonius had cantered past the judge’s box on Wednesday. A more unfortunate speech could not have been made, as few better-looking colts than the newly named son of Parmesan and Zephyr have ever been saddled at Epsom. Summer seemed to have selected the Derby Day for commencing her reign in earnest, and we never remember more enjoyable weather; for a cool breeze prevented
the great heat from being at all oppressive. In spite of this, we fancied there were hardly so many people as usual; still, this may have been only fancy, and it is very difficult to compare one year with another. The rail was patronised more than over, and the ‘glories’ of the road have almost departed, as people are beginning to find out that an hour’s journey in a railway carriage is very preferable to a long and dusty drive.”
Together with a print from the Illustrated London News.
- Collections: Kerry Fitzpatrick