Original antique set of four aquatints depicting 1853 Liverpool Grand National Steeple-Chase.
They were created by artist George Henry Laporte and engraved by Richard Gilson Reeve & A. Reeve.
Published shortly after the 1853 Grand National, which was won by the horse Peter Simple, these antique hand-coloured aquatint etchings chronicle the sequential progression of the historic Aintree race.
The colouring is original.
There is minor damage (repaired) to the bottom right corner of Plate III.
Plate I: The Brook by the Canal
This plate captures the race action along the Leeds-Liverpool canal section of the Aintree course. It features a line of horses charging in tight formation toward the water jump, showcasing the early intense pacing of the field.
Plate II: The Stone Wall opposite Grand Stand
This image captures the pack navigating the solid stone wall jump directly in front of the spectator stands. Visually, the massive Aintree Grand Stand anchors the background, showing wealthy Victorian racegoers watching the action.
Plate III: The Ditch
This is often considered the most famous plate for its dramatic action. It captures the chaos of a horse failing to clear the massive hedge and ditch obstacle. A jockey is shown standing dejectedly on the turf next to his fallen horse, while the remaining field leaps over the fence and pulls away from them.
Plate IV: The Finish, At the Winning Post.
The climax of the set, showing the final sprint past the winning post. It features the historical 1853 winner, Peter Simple (ridden by jockey Tom Olliver), crossing the line alongside the heavily exhausted runners-up as the dense, cheering grandstand crowd celebrates.
George Henry Laporte (British, 1799–1873),was a prolific animal painter whose patron was the Duke of Cumberland.
R.G. & A. Reeve (Richard Gilson Reeve), were known for high-quality nineteenth-century sporting prints.
The Grand National was founded by William Lynn is a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England, near Liverpool. First run in 1839 as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase, it became known as the Grand National in 1847.
