John Frederick Herring Sr. was an English painter, sign maker, and coachman who became one of the most prominent equestrian artists of the Victorian era. Born in 1795, Herring spent his early career working as a coach driver and painting inn signs, occupations that allowed him to closely observe the anatomy, movement, and character of horses. This intimate familiarity with his subjects eventually transitioned into a highly successful professional painting career.\n\nHerring's artistic output is defined by its precision and vivid portrayal of animal life, particularly racehorses and working horses. His growing reputation led to numerous commissions from prominent patrons of the turf. In 1836, as his teenage son, John Frederick Herring Jr., began to establish his own artistic career, the elder Herring began appending "SR" to his signature to distinguish his celebrated works from those of his son.\n\nAmong his most famous creations is the 1848 painting Pharoah's Chariot Horses (originally spelled "Pharoah"), which exemplifies his mastery of equine anatomy and dramatic composition. Throughout his life, Herring remained a central figure in Victorian animal painting, capturing the spirit of an era defined by its reliance on and admiration for horses. He passed away in 1865, leaving behind a legacy of highly detailed and influential sporting art.
