William SHAW (died 1773, English)

William SHAW (died 1773, English)

Racehorse With Jockey up Wearing Duke of Newcastle's Colors

oil on canvas

46 x 57 inches, inc. frame

Price: Sold

Exhibited:
Michael Caine Collection

William Shaw first exhibited at the Society of Artists of Great Britain in 1760. By 1764 he was living in Maddox Street, Hanover Square, and by 1767 he had moved to Mortimer Street where he is said to have built a large painting room which could accommodate the animals he painted. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Artists of Great Britain in 1771. 

Shaw painted mainly horse pictures and portraits. Among his patrons were the Duke of Ancaster, Lord Orford and Lord Montford. When he died in 1773, his will, which was proved by his widow Alice Shaw on 10 March 1773 in the parish of St George Hanover Square, referred to him as a 'limner'. 

Shaw's work could best be described as a cross between Wootton and James Seymour. His horses have some of the large ranginess of Wootton's, coupled with some of the softness of Seymour's, and have a distinct high quality.