The Start Of The Derby

Bring the timeless beauty of John Frederick Herring Snr's The Start Of The Derby into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.

John Frederick Herring Snr’s The Start of the Derby captures the electrifying tension and grandeur of 19th-century horseracing with remarkable realism. Painted in 1848, this iconic work immortalizes the pivotal moment at Epsom Downs as thoroughbreds surge forward—jockeys lean low, silks billow, and dust swirls beneath pounding hooves. Herring, a former coach painter turned celebrated equestrian artist, masterfully balances dramatic movement with meticulous anatomical detail, reflecting his deep understanding of equine form. The composition’s dynamic diagonals and atmospheric depth showcase his Regency-era Romanticism influences, while the luminous handling of light nods to Dutch Old Masters. As one of Herring’s most celebrated Derby scenes, this painting solidified his reputation as Britain’s premier sporting artist, bridging the gap between aristocratic patronage and the Victorian public’s growing enthusiasm for sporting art. Today, it remains a touchstone for equine portraiture, embodying both historical sporting culture and technical brilliance.

For interior styling, The Start of the Derby lends timeless sophistication to traditional or equestrian-themed spaces. Its ideal placement would be a wood-paneled study, a grand dining room above a mantel, or a corporate lobby—anywhere its 24 × 36-inch (approx.) dimensions can command attention without overwhelming. Frame it in a gilded or ebonized scoop moulding to honor its Regency roots, and pair with Chesterfield leather furnishings or mahogany bookcases for cohesion. The painting’s earthy palette of ochres and racing silks harmonizes beautifully with hunter-green walls or Prussian blue accents, while the dynamic composition energizes formal spaces. In contemporary offices, juxtapose it with sleek lacquered desks for an artful tension between heritage and modernity. For balanced lighting, position spotlights at 30-degree angles to illuminate Herring’s nuanced brushwork while avoiding glare on the varnished surface. This masterpiece transforms any space into a narrative-rich environment—ideal for connoisseurs of both art history and sporting legacy.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.