From the collection of:
The Kentucky Derby Museum || VAM Home

This painting depicts racehorse Checkmate with the legendary African American jockey Isaac Murphy aboard. Born the son of slaves in Fayette County in 1851, Murphy is hailed as one of the best American jockeys of all time. Only in the late 19th century did it become common for a jockey to be included in horse portraits, as depicted here.

About the Artist

Noted equine artist Henry Stull is said to have been born above a stable in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1851. Acting, not horses, was Stull’s initial passion. But after he moved to New York as a boy, he began spending many afternoons at Jerome Park Race Course drawing thoroughbreds. In 1873, Stull turned that pastime into a job when he was hired as an illustrator for Leslie’s Weekly, a turf and sport magazine, and equine art became his career focus. He later went on to paint oil portraits of prominent racehorses, like this one of Checkmate. Stull died in his home in New Rochelle, NY, at the age of 62.

Classroom Ideas

Discussion: What approaches must an artist take to produce a work of art from a live model, from memory, or from another source, such as a photograph? What are the pros and cons associated with each approach? Who or what is important in a work of art such as Checkmate—horse, owner, or jockey? In equine art, jockeys, regardless of ethnicity, often appear somewhat identical. Discuss the differences between a realistic and stylized work. Why would a work be stylized? What might it say about the American sporting/social culture?

Activity: Do you know an animal worthy of his or her own portrait? If so, create one. Think about how you want to portray the animal—realistically, stylized, standing still, or in an action shot. Recall the different approaches to drawing a live subject and choose the one you think would best suit your purposes.

Links

Find out more about equine art with the Bruce Museum exhibit The Thoroughbred: Born To Run and Jump (documented at the Traditional Fine Arts Organization web site). The first painting incorporated into the text is The Belmont Stakes, painted in 1896 by Henry Stull.
[www.tfaoi.com/newsm1/n1m197.htm]

Read about the impressive career of the legendary Isaac Murphy on the African American History Calendar [http://www.aetna.com/foundation/aahcalendar/1991murphy.html] or at the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame.
[www.aetna.com/foundation/aahcalendar/1991murphy.html]
[www.racingmuseum.org/hall/jockey.asp?ID=205]

Find Isaac Murphy’s home in downtown Lexington at the city’s African American Heritage Trail web site.
[www.visitlex.com/AfAmHeritageTrail/IsaacMurphy.html]