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Notes
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In 1928, Alfred Munnings began work on two almost identical paintings: 'My Wife, My Horse and Myself', depicting his wife Violet, most likely riding Munnings’s own horse, Anarchist, and 'My Wife, Horse and Self', in which Violet is shown on her hunter Master Munn. By 1928, Munnings, aged 50, was a highly acclaimed equestrian artist with numerous accolades to his name. He was living at Castle House, the house of his dreams, with his loving wife. Everything that Munnings held dear is illustrated in both paintings: wife, horse, house and his art. 'My Wife, My Horse and Myself' was first exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1935. It was gifted to Violet by her husband for three years. Handwritten on the back of the canvas is: 'Me outside Castle House, given me 1938.
The other painting, 'My Wife, Horse and Self', was partially re-painted by Munnings in 1949 using another of his horses, Rufus, as the model. In 1954 with reference to a favourite author, perhaps, Charles Dickens, the picture was re-named 'Our Mutual Friend the Horse' and sold to a private collector in America. In writing to the new owner, Munnings stated, 'I believe it is a goodish picture.' Violet said of the painting: 'I trust you will like the picture, dealers were after it because it’s unique. The only time AJ has painted us together.'
The finished picture was no. 171 at the Royal Academy in 1953.
The Munnings Art Museum
Colchester
Title
Study for 'Our Mutual Friend the Horse'
Date
1928–1949
Medium
oil on board
Measurements
H 38 x W 46 cm
Accession number
368
Acquisition method
gift from the artist
Work type
Painting
The Munnings Art Museum
Castle House, Dedham, Colchester, Essex CO7 6AZ England
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