John Francis Sartorius was an English painter of the 18th century, known primarily for his works depicting sporting and animal subjects, particularly horses and dogs. He was part of the Sartorius family of artists that spanned several generations, including his father, John Sartorius, who was also an animal painter, and his son, John Nott Sartorius, who followed in his footsteps.
Born around 1734, J. Francis Sartorius was active in a period when horse racing and other country sports were popular among the British gentry and aristocracy. His paintings reflected this cultural trend, often focusing on the racehorses and the rural sporting life of the elite. Sartorius's works are characterized by their attention to detail, vivid portrayal of the animals, and the ability to capture the dynamism of the sporting scenes.
He exhibited at the Free Society of Artists from 1765 to 1772 and later at the Royal Academy, although he never became an Academician. Despite the fact that his work was in demand during his lifetime, Sartorius did not achieve significant financial success and was often overshadowed by his contemporaries such as George Stubbs, who was considered the pre-eminent painter of horses of that era.
The body of Sartorius's work includes not only paintings but also engravings. Some of his notable works were engraved and published, allowing for a wider distribution of his images. Today, his works can be found in various art collections and are of interest to those studying the history of British sporting art.
Sartorius's life, much like his finances, was relatively modest. He continued to work and contribute to the British sporting art genre throughout his life. He is presumed to have died around 1804, leaving behind a legacy through his son and a body of work that continues to be appreciated by art historians and collectors alike.
