Edwardian Equestrian Scene by Henry Hutt

This is a large format, published gouache painting on illustration board by the prolific American illustrator Henry Hutt.

This painting appeared in print version with the title “Thoroughbreds”, and was published in 1904 by Harper And Brothers; a vintage print is included in the sale.

In this depiction, an Edwardian beauty and her handsome beau are stylish equestrians, nattily attired with riding crops on large horses.

Painting is housed under glass in a Mission Oak fumed quarter sawn oak antique frame. Condition is very good with some tanning to the board and some soiling in areas in the outer margins.

This illustration comes from the collection of esteemed illustration art collector Norman Platnick.

About the artist: Henry Hutt

Born in Chicago, Henry Hutt became an illustrator credited with being highly influential in setting styles by “depicting the stylish, up-to-date female” of the early 20th century. In 1908, his publication, The Henry Hutt Picture Book, a volume of more than eighty of his illustrations, published by Century Company was a popular gift.

He sold his first illustration to LIFE magazine when he was age 16, and continued to have many of those magazine commissions.

“Harold Hutt”, The Artists of Life Magazine

The Legacy of Norman Platnick

In his New York Times obituary, Norman Platnick’s son Will said that his father had three passions in life, his wife Nancy, spiders, and collecting.

Few individuals have the chance to leave a mark like Norm’s in even one field, let alone two. But Norm managed to be both a celebrated scientist, and one of the most influential lay historians of illustration art.

Under his imprint Enchantment Ink, Norm researched, wrote, and published collectors guides to artists like Rolf Armstrong and Earl Christy. We at Grapefruit Moon Gallery rely on these books in our work, and they are now all freely available as PDFs through the Enchantment Ink website.

Norm’s expertise was a gift, his friendship was a treasure, and his legacy is immeasurable. He is missed.