This work compels with energetic brushwork and overall vibrancy. Queen Victoria's depicted as a confident, perhaps slightly aloof young woman. With her sidesaddle mounted figure at the apex of the compositional pyramid, there's allegorical suggestion but no clear consensus for interpretation. Through combinations of expression and posture, the surrounding figures lend an atmosphere of communal though slightly uncertain reverence. It's been suggested that aspects of the composition were borrowed from Van Dyck's "Saint Martin dividing his cloak". There appears to be some technical influence from Goya, the carmine red drapery arising from an otherwise earth based palette. This succeeds despite, or perhaps because one of the painters discarded compositions is partially revealed when the canvas is turned upside down. Auction estimate (£ 40,000 - £60,000)
Price realised at auction: GBP 47,500