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Lot Essay
Traditionally identified as a study of Violet, Lady Munnings, the artist's second wife, the present work does not appear to relate to a finished composition. Munnings executed a number of pictures of his wife out riding side-saddle on Exmoor and at their home, Castle House, Dedham.
Munnings married Violet McBride in 1920. The daughter of a riding master, she was an extremely accomplished horsewoman. Under her father's tutelage she won many prizes including the Gold Cup at Olympia. Munnings was re-introduced to her at the Richmond Horse Show in July 1919 and managed to persuade Violet, after her initial reluctance, to sit for him. By the time the finished picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1920, they were married and he gave it the title Portrait of the Painter's Wife.
Munnings married Violet McBride in 1920. The daughter of a riding master, she was an extremely accomplished horsewoman. Under her father's tutelage she won many prizes including the Gold Cup at Olympia. Munnings was re-introduced to her at the Richmond Horse Show in July 1919 and managed to persuade Violet, after her initial reluctance, to sit for him. By the time the finished picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1920, they were married and he gave it the title Portrait of the Painter's Wife.