The Sartorius family of painters from England spanned three generations during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Francis (1734-1804) was the son of John and the father of John Nott Sartorius. Nott is considered to have been the most successful horse artist of the family. Sartorius the Elder exhibited with Society of Artists, the Free Society and the Royal Academy from 1773 to 1791.
His success enjoyed at the end of the 18th century was due to his expertise in animal portraiture. His work exemplified Anglo-Saxon interest in horseracing and hunting. The painting here shows his dedication to horse anatomy which is all the more visible because of the horse’s central and overpowering placement. Several of his portraits were notably engraved by John June and published during the late 1700’s, which ensured the dissemination of his work among the wider public.
Recent Auction Sales
Christie's, New York: April 28, 2015 19th Century European Art: Full Cry (oil on canvas, height 47.3 in.; width 77.8 in. / height 120 cm.; width 197.5 cm.) USD 81,250 USD
Christie's, South Kensington: December 10, 2014 [Lot 00074] Sporting & Wildlife Art: Mr Henry Vernon's bay colt Minister by Camillus out of Sportley with jockey up at Newmarket, 1774 (oil on canvas, signed and dated 'F. Sartorius. Pinxt/ 1774' (lower left) and inscribed 'Minister, the pro, height 40.5 in.; width 51 in. / height 102.8 cm.; width 129.6 cm.) 45,000 GBP (70,599 USD)
Sotheby's, New York: September 29, 2011 Property from the Collection of Edward P Evans: "Jason" beating "Spectator," "Rover," "Brilliant," "Whistlejacket," "Venture," and "Stately" for the Great Subscription at Newmarket
(oil on canvas, height 35.5 in.; width 49 in. / height 90.2 cm.; width 124.5 cm.) 43,750 USD
