Artwork
Longford Lass and the Jew
Longford Lass and the Jew is an oil painting by John Ferneley. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
Longford Lass and the Jew is an 1853 oil painting by English artist John Ferneley, renowned for his equestrian-themed works, particularly in Leicestershire. The piece depicts an equine scene, characteristic of Ferneley's specialisation in sporting and hunting subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features two horses facing each other in a field, set against a backdrop of trees, hills, and distant horses. The composition highlights Ferneley's focus on horse portraiture, though the specific context or narrative behind 'Longford Lass' and 'the Jew' is not immediately clear from the scene.
Technique & Style
Executed with smooth, detailed brushstrokes, the painting showcases Ferneley's skill. A muted color palette, dominated by browns and greens, complements the use of chiaroscuro, which adds depth and draws attention to the foreground horses.
History & Provenance
Created in 1853, the painting is a product of Ferneley's established career as a leading British equine artist of his time. Specific ownership or exhibition histories prior to its current location are not detailed here.
Context
Reflecting mid-19th-century British equestrian art, the work aligns with the sporting and rural themes prevalent in Ferneley's oeuvre, likely appealing to the aristocratic and landed classes who valued such subjects.
Legacy
As part of Ferneley's corpus, Longford Lass and the Jew contributes to his reputation as a prominent equine painter, though its individual impact on the broader art historical canon is not distinctly outlined.
Artist & collection
Artist
John E. Ferneley (18 May 1782 Thrussington, Leicestershire – 1860 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire), was an English painter who specialised in portraying sporting horses and hunting scenes. Although his rendition of…
