John Frederick Herring Sr. (1795-1865) was an English painter known for his equestrian and animal paintings, particularly his depictions of horses and horse racing scenes. He was born in London, England, and began his artistic career as a coach painter, specializing in painting the decorative panels on horse-drawn carriages.
Herring Sr. gained recognition for his skill in portraying horses realistically and capturing their energy and movement. His works often depicted racehorses, hunters, and other sporting scenes, and he became one of the leading sporting painters of his time. Herring Sr. was commissioned by wealthy patrons, including British nobility, to paint their prized horses and equestrian portraits.
During his career, Herring Sr. produced numerous paintings, and his works were exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and other prestigious art institutions. He was highly regarded for his attention to detail and his ability to convey the spirit and character of horses in his paintings.
Herring Sr.'s sons, John Frederick Herring Jr. and Charles Herring, also became successful artists, following in their father's footsteps and specializing in equestrian and animal paintings.
Today, John Frederick Herring Sr.'s works can be found in various art galleries and private collections around the world. His paintings continue to be admired for their technical skill and their depiction of the beauty and power of horses.