LINDSAY, Daryl (1890-1976) Phar Lap, Australia's Greatest Racehorse, 1931. Signed and dated lower right. This important oil was painted from life at Underbank, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, where the horse was stabled between racing campaigns. Tommy Woodcock, his strapper, also depicted here, wrote as part of his series 'Phar Lap Memories' (No. 20 - The Mercury, Hobart, Saturday 28th November 1936, p.6): "Another artist who admired the good manners and patience of Phar Lap was Mr Daryl Lindsay, who painted him while he was at Underbank, Bacchus Marsh. Phar Lap was worthy of the many paintings and photos that showed his beautiful physique and magnificence." This work was reproduced as a colour supplement in Melbourne's 'The Sporting Globe,' on Wednesday 13th April 1932, following Phar Lap's death in San Francisco on April 5th. "Phar Lap's tragic death in America has deeply moved all sections of the Australian community... with each Sporting Globe published last Wednesday was issued a free copy of Daryl Lindsay's beautiful painting of Phar Lap," Sporting Globe, Melbourne, Saturday 16th April 1932, p.1. Oil on Canvas 54x79cm
PROVENANCE: Ivon Murdoch (1892-1964) and Alma Murdoch (nee Anderson), 'Wantabadgery East,' N.S.W.; Stuart Murdoch, son of the above (d.1990) and Patricia Murdoch (nee McKay), 'Wantabadgery East,' then 'Springvale,' near Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.; Estate Late Patricia Osborne (Murdoch), Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.
LITERATURE: Isabel Carter 'Phar Lap: the Story of the Big Horse,' Lansdowne Press, Melbourne, 1964 (cover - illus.)
Estimate $100,000-300,000
Condition: This work is in original, untouched condition.
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