RG-2026-013
Moses – Colored Aquatint Engraving of the Derby Winner 1822, beautifully drawn and etched by James Pollard.
ca. 1822–1824
About the Work
James Pollard (1792–1867) is the foremost British engraver renowned for his equestrian racing and coaching scenes from the Regency and early Victorian eras. His colored aquatints are considered the benchmark for English sporting prints and consistently fetch strong prices at international auctions. Moses, truly one of the great stars of his time, was a prized thoroughbred bred by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, who claimed victory in the 1822 Derby at Epsom and multiple high-stakes races at Newmarket and Ascot – a royal horse with a documented racing career, immortalized in the year of his triumph. This engraving seamlessly combines sporting history, royal provenance, and exquisite printmaking technique into a single masterpiece.
Collector Interest
British sporting prints by James Pollard are among the most sought-after graphics on 1stDibs, Christie's, and Sotheby's in the category of Equestrian Art. Buyers from the USA, the UK, and Japan regularly pay between £400 and £900 for original colored aquatints by Pollard. The Derby connection and royal background (Duke of York) make this piece particularly appealing to horse racing enthusiasts and collectors of British Heritage Art. This work fits perfectly in an English gentleman's room, a stable, or a sports-themed gallery – a true conversation piece with a rich history.
Provenance
Framed by the renowned Winterthur-based company Jakob Keller Einrahmungen, this rare James Pollard aquatint found its way into a Swiss private collection—where it was evidently valued for what it is: a piece of English sporting history in the finest Regency attire. Moses, bred by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, won the famous Derby at Epsom in 1822 and several races at Newmarket and Ascot. Pollard captured the horse with that sure hand that has made his prints collectibles to this day. Now, this elegant gold frame hangs in Zug—awaiting a new admirer of English racing history.
Inscriptions
MOSES / Bred by His Royal Highness the Duke of York in 1819, got by Whalebone, his dam by Johanna, grandam Grey Shem by Woodpecker, great grandam by Herod out of Young Hag by Shem – Hag by Crab – Ebony by Childer. / In 1822 he won a Sweepstakes of 200 Gns. each at the Newmarket First Spring Meeting – the Derby Stakes at Epsom, being Figure, Hampden, Stamford, Marcellus, Mystic Wanton, & five others, and the Albany Stakes at Ascot. / In 1823 at the Newmarket Craven Meeting won the Claret Stakes of 200 each. / Drawn & Engraved by James Pollard / Pub. by S. & J. Fuller & Son, 34 Rathbone Place, London [Jahr unleserlich]