Phar Lap portrait

Phar Lap is a legend of Australian sporting history. His sensational rise from humble beginnings captured the public’s imagination during the difficult years of the 1930s Depression.

Phar Lap won 37 races from 51 starts, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup. His death in 1932 prompted an outpouring of anger and grief.

Equine artist Stuart Reid painted several portraits of Phar Lap and was given direct access to the horse in order to paint him from life. It is unclear if this portrait was a study for a larger work, or if it was a copy of a painting Reid had already completed.