Godfrey Douglas Giles (British, 1857-1941) oil on canvas horse portrait of Sceptre, signed and dated lower left "Sceptre / G.D. Giles 1911." Painting depicts the legendary thoroughbred standing against a wooded landscape background. Original giltwood and composition Rococo style frame with title additionally painted at center "Sceptre 1911 G.D. Giles." Paper label en verso of frame for The Rowley Gallery Frame Makers. 19 1/2" x 23 1/2" sight, 26" x 30" framed. Sceptre (1899-1926), known as "The Horse of the Century", was bred by Hugh Grosvenor, First Duke of Westminster, and sold to Robert Sievier upon his death. In 1902, she became the only horse in history to win four British Classic Races outright. Alternate spelling: Scepter. Provenance: by descent from a private Lexington, Kentucky area collector. Artist biography: Godfrey Giles is best known for his paintings of horses and battle scenes. He began his work with horses during his early career with cavalry regiments of the British Army. He painted several works while still in the military, and upon his retirement in 1884, he traveled to Paris where he studied under Carolus-Duran. He exhibited at the Paris Salon and later served as a war correspondent and illustrator. CONDITION: Overall light cracquelure, including cracquelure radiating from 1/4" repair to front knee, otherwise very good condition. Some age cracks to frame at corners, retains original gilding.