Large Equestrian 19th Century Oil Painting Derby Winner Horse Melton & Jockey Fred Archer Up C.1885
London, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Wear & Tear
Material
Canvas
Style
Antique, Victorian
Product Details
Description
Victorian 19th Century Oil Painting Derby Winner Melton with Champion Jockey Fred Archer Up by F. S. Evans (1885)
An exceptional and historically important Victorian oil painting on canvas, painted in 1885 by the accomplished British sporting artist F. S. Evans. This remarkable equestrian portrait commemorates one of the defining moments in nineteenth-century British horse racing, depicting the celebrated Derby and St. Leger winner Melton with the legendary Champion Jockey Fred Archer mounted. The painting is a superb example of late Victorian sporting art, demonstrating Evans’s accomplished understanding of equine anatomy, portraiture, and atmospheric landscape.
Evans portrays Melton standing proudly in full side profile before the sweeping Norfolk landscape surrounding Lord Hastings’ Melton Constable estate. Every detail has been observed with remarkable precision, from the finely painted eyelashes and expressive eye to the polished leather tack and burnished saddle. Fred Archer sits confidently in the saddle wearing his distinctive racing colours, reflecting the supreme confidence that made him Britain’s dominant jockey throughout the Victorian era.
Signed and dated 1885 by F. S. Evans in the lower corner. The same work is recorded by the National Trust as signed bottom right “F S EVANS / 1885.”
Presented in its impressive original late Victorian gilt moulded frame, retaining its period character and decorative elegance. The frame perfectly complements the grandeur of the sporting subject while enhancing the painting’s visual impact.
Dimensions Framed:
Height: 81 cm
Width: 99 cm
Depth: 2.5 cm
Provenance:
From the distinguished estate of Stafford Ellerman (1928–2022). The painting was offered as Lot 1178 in Ewbank’s Silver & Fine Art Auction, Surrey, on 21 March 2024, catalogued as “F. S. Evans (British 19th century). Melton: A bay racehorse with Fred Archer (1857–1886) up,” and described as signed and dated 1885.
Condition Report:
Fine antique condition overall. The painting displays attractive age-related craquelure, light foxing, and minor surface wear consistent with its Victorian age. Colours remain vibrant and well preserved. The original gilt frame exhibits expected age-related scuffs and minor losses while remaining structurally sound and highly decorative. Retains hanging fixtures and is ready for immediate display.
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery. For customers within the United Kingdom, we offer free standard mainland UK shipping. For all international buyers, please note that any customs duties, import taxes, or additional fees imposed by your country are the responsibility of the buyer.
Condition report:
An item that has been previously used.
Wear Condition
Wear & Tear
Cancellations
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for all orders within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
We offer Free standard delivery to the United Kingdom & alls Islands and International destinations for small and medium sized pieces only, shipping charges are additional for large pieces please ask for a quote. We offer full online tracking provided for all United Kingdom & International deliveries we ship the with the following parcel couriers for small to medium sized items usually on a next working day delivery service DHL, DPD, Parcelforce, Fedex delivered to your door.
For large and extra large & heavy items can be delivered Aardvark Art Services via 1 man van courier to door UK mainland only the driver will need help to unload! if you require 2 persons to help carry this will incur an additional surcharge please ask for a quote.
For international buyers import duty, sales taxes, customs charges, storage fees are are additional and are the responsibility of the buyer to pay.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Professional Seller
5.0
(2 reviews)
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About this seller
Located in London, United Kingdom
- Selling at Vinterior since 2017
- 108 sales
- Ships from London, United Kingdom
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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14-day return guarantee
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| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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