Alfred Munnings' Racehorse Sculpture Anticipated to Fetch £300,000 at Auction

A rare sculpture by renowned British artist Sir Alfred Munnings, depicting the iconic racehorse Brown Jack, is poised to fetch up to £300,000 at an upcoming auction at Christie’s in London. The auction, scheduled for July 2, is anticipated to draw significant interest from art collectors and equestrian enthusiasts alike.

Brown Jack, a thoroughbred celebrated for its six consecutive victories at Ascot between 1929 and 1934, holds a prominent place in British sporting history. The tabletop bronze model, standing 54 cm high (approximately 21 inches), is one of only five horse sculptures crafted by Munnings, who is widely regarded as one of the foremost equestrian painters of the 20th century.

According to Scarlett Walsh, a sculpture specialist at Christie’s, the piece is not only a masterful representation of equine anatomy but also a testament to Munnings' deep affection for his subjects. "Executed with anatomical precision and deep personal affection, the work stands as a powerful tribute to one of the most iconic racehorses in British sporting history," Walsh stated.

Munnings, born in Suffolk in 1878, became known for his artistic representations of horses and hunting scenes, with his works commanding significant prices at auction. For instance, a painting titled 'The Red Prince Mare', depicting a 1921 racing scene, sold for nearly $8 million in New York in 2004, while another painting of a day at Newmarket races fetched £482,500 in May 2013.

The forthcoming auction will mark another opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Munnings' legacy, with the Munnings Art Museum in Dedham, Essex, facilitating the sale. The auction is expected to attract bidders from various sectors, including private collectors, art dealers, and institutions interested in enhancing their equestrian art collections.

The significance of Munnings' work extends beyond its monetary value; it serves as a historical artifact that encapsulates the cultural heritage of British horse racing and the artistic excellence of one of its most celebrated artists. As the auction date approaches, experts anticipate that the combination of Munnings' reputation and the historical importance of Brown Jack will drive competitive bidding, making it a focal point of interest in the art market this summer.