11
WHYTES
SINCE 1783
,
7
Peter Curling (
b.
1955)
MAIDEN HURDLE, CLONMEL, COUNTY TIPPERARY
oil on canvas
signed lower left; with Tryon Gallery [London] label on reverse
32 by 38in. (81.28 by 96.52cm)
The present work is an early example by Ireland’s foremost equestrian artist painted shortly after he
moved to Tipperary. Here he employs artistic license in his choice of backdrop - the imposing
Slievenamon (in the northeast of Clonmel in the south of the County) - and demonstrates his early
mastery of the
contre-jour
technique. Of the jockeys depicted, only one represents a specific portrait,
that of Willy Mullins (second rider from the right) who remains a good friend of the artist.
Maiden Hurdle, Clonmel
was included in an equestrian themed group show at The Tryon Gallery,
London founded by sporting and wildlife art advocate Aylmer Tryon.Tryon was instrumental in
promoting and encouraging Curling from an early age and
Maiden Hurdle, Clonmel
was used to
advertise the exhibition in
Country Life
magazine and other publications at the time.
For another example by this artist see lot 155.
€
15,000-
€
20,000 (£12,610-£16,810 approx.)
