A charming and highly decorative pair of reverse-painted silhouettes on glass depicting the celebrated scenes 'On the Way to the Derby 1827' and 'Returning from the Derby 1827'. Inspired by the great social occasion of the Epsom Derby, the compositions capture the excitement and spectacle surrounding one of Britain's most important sporting events during the early nineteenth century.

Executed in the traditional silhouette manner, each scene depicts horse-drawn carriages, mounted riders, and figures travelling to and from the races, rendered as delicate black profiles against a light ground. The intricate detail of the trees, carriages, and figures creates a remarkable sense of movement and narrative despite the simplicity of the monochromatic medium.

The Derby at Epsom was not merely a horse race but a major social event that attracted all levels of society, from aristocracy to working people, and scenes depicting the journey to and from the races became enduringly popular subjects in nineteenth-century British printmaking and decorative arts. These compositions evoke the lively atmosphere and pageantry associated with Regency England and the early Victorian period.

Both pictures are housed in attractive bird's-eye maple frames, whose warm figuring complements the refined elegance of the silhouettes and enhances their period character. Decorative and evocative, the pair would make a particularly appealing addition to an interior with an interest in sporting art, Regency decoration, or early nineteenth-century British social history.

Condition is good overall, with minor age-related wear to the frames and some light surface wear and minor spotting commensurate with age. The silhouettes remain well preserved and display attractively. Please refer to the photographs.

Dimensions: 43cm high, 63cm wide, 3cm deep