James Hill -19th Century Famous Horse Racing Oil Painting

Description

Framed original 19th century oil painting signed "J. S. Hill 1866". The painting depicts the famous trotter “Dexter” and his … more Framed original 19th century oil painting signed "J. S. Hill 1866". The painting depicts the famous trotter “Dexter” and his driver Budd Doble who were two of the most sensational racers of the day, competing in over a hundred races and breaking many records. Here Dexter is shown pulling a cart called a sulky in which Budd Doble holds the reins. Harness racing dates back to ancient times and became a popular pastime in the United States at the end of the 18th century. Initially, horses were raced on country roads. In the 19th century, tracks for harness racing were constructed. By the mid-19th century, harness racing appeared at hundreds of locations, especially country fairs, and thousands of dollars passed hands at the competitions

James S. Hill worked in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. He is known for portrait, genre, landscape, animals.
A Philadelphia physician who exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy in 1849 and in 1860 to 1869. less