Lot 123: George F. Morris, Portrait of Horse Bourbon King

George Ford Morris (NY/MA,1873-1960), oil on board painting -possibly a study- depicting a horse, walking, with an indiscernible rider and a blank background. Pencil inscription upper left, “30- Started in Paris 1925 as ideal type but _ to portrait of __.”  Unsigned. Later molded woodgrain frame with gilt sight edge and plaque, “Bourbon King / Geo. Ford Morris.” Sight: 14 1/2 in H x 17 1/2 in. W. Frame: 18 3/4 in. H x 21 3/4 W. Note: George Ford Morris was a Missouri-born painter, printmaker, sculptor and illustrator, who specialized in painting famous horses, their owners and riders. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Academie Julian in Paris.  He wrote and illustrated Portraitures of Horses and George Ford Morris Animals, and was a regular contributor to equestrian and racing magazines. (Source: Peter Hastings Falk, “Who Was Who in American Art”).  The presumed subject horse, Bourbon King (1900-1930), was a champion American Saddle Bred stallion and the founding sire of the popular Chief family of Saddlebreds. He was sired by Bourbon Chief and bred and owned by Allie G. Jones who had a farm near North Middleton, KY. Jones was elected president of the American Saddle Horse Breeders Association in 1936. 

PROVENANCE: A Kentucky estate. 

CONDITION: Overall very good condition with a few light scattered stains to canvas.