About this sheet
Sedbury – Antique Equestrian Horse & Rider Portrait, Gauci & Hullmandel c.1840
A refined nineteenth-century sporting lithograph depicting Sedbury, shown under saddle with a mounted rider in formal riding attire. The elegant composition combines the traditions of British equestrian portraiture with the sporting culture that flourished during the first half of the nineteenth century. Unlike many horse portraits that focus solely on the animal, this print presents both horse and rider, creating a more personal and engaging representation of horsemanship and equestrian achievement.
The horse is portrayed in an animated gait, displaying a graceful high-stepping movement that emphasizes its athleticism, training, and refinement. The rider is dressed in contemporary sporting attire and sits confidently in the saddle, reinforcing the connection between horse and owner that was central to British riding culture. Together, they create a portrait that celebrates both the beauty of the horse and the accomplishments of those who bred, trained, and rode such animals.
The print was lithographed by Maxim Gauci and printed by the renowned London lithographic firm of Charles Hullmandel. Gauci was among the most accomplished lithographers active in Britain during the nineteenth century and is particularly admired for his sporting subjects and equestrian works. Hullmandel's workshop produced some of the finest lithographs of the Victorian era and played a pivotal role in establishing lithography as a respected artistic medium.
The horse identified as Sedbury exhibits the elegant proportions, refined head, and balanced conformation associated with superior British bloodstock. While not a pure Arabian horse, its graceful profile and elevated carriage reflect the Arabian influence that helped shape the development of the Thoroughbred and other sporting breeds during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Equestrian portraits featuring both horse and rider are generally scarcer than standard horse portraits and are especially appealing to collectors because they document not only the animal but also the social and sporting traditions of their period. The image serves as both an attractive decorative artwork and a historical record of British equestrian culture.
This offering is for an original nineteenth-century lithograph, not a modern reproduction. Any framed room visualizations are intended solely to illustrate potential display options and may not accurately represent the print's exact scale relative to the frame or interior setting.
Condition: Age-related toning and occasional light foxing. Minor creasing, handling marks, and edge wear consistent with age. Small marginal imperfections and signs of former binding are present along the sheet edges. The image remains clean, attractive, and well preserved. Please study the photographs carefully.
Framing tips: This print displays beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or traditional mahogany frame with a warm ivory mat. A narrow gilt liner can subtly enhance the tonal richness of the lithograph while complementing its refined sporting character. Particularly suitable for libraries, studies, country houses, equestrian collections, and traditional interiors.
