Lot 46: James Seymour (London 1702-1752) A racehorse, traditionally identified as Molotto, held by a groom

James Seymour
(London 1702-1752)
A racehorse, traditionally identified as Molotto, held by a groom signed with initials and dated 'J.S/ 1746' (lower right) and bears inscription 'Mr Parsons Molotto ** Whitefoot, son of Bay Bolton' (on stretcher)oil on canvas50.4 x 62.1cm (19 13/16 x 24 7/16in).

Provenance: The late David Astor, the Manor House, Sutton Courtenay, 1949 (probably acquired with the purchase of the house in 1945 from Captain Harry Lindsay) and thence by family descent, by whom offeredSale, Bonhams, London, 8 December 2004, lot 3, where purchased by the present ownerMolotto, bred by Sir John Dutton, was a black colt foaled in 1736 by Whitefoot out of a sister to Miss Partner by Partner. Both the sire and dam were from Lord Godolphin's stud at Babraham in Cambridgeshire, and Molotto raced for Godolphin winning a Kings Plate at Nottingham on 6 July 1742, and another at Newmarket on 7 April 1743. Following this he was sold to Mr Parsons and in 1744 he won a £50 plate at Huntingdon.