Original oil painting in period frame. Approximately 20x44". Signed 'Major S.' and dated 1881.
A superb painting, among the golfers represented are Robert Wilson (The Chieftan), Dr. Argyll Robertson, Col. E.H. Kennard (Captain 1871-73), John Ball Senior, John Dun (Captain 1873-75), and others. Francis Powell ('Shortspoon") Hopkins was known for his small sometimes whimsical watercolors dating from the late 1860’s through the late 1890’s. He created several oil paintings capturing events at prominent clubs. A black & white image of the painting, taken from a photograph not from the original painting itself, appears on page 54 of Ian Henderson and David Stirk's biography of the artist, also providing a key to the golfers featured. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a true piece of golf history recorded in art. Paintings of this caliber rarely are seen on the public market.
Major Francis Powell “Shortspoon” Hopkins (1830-1913) captivated both the art and golf worlds with his depictions of golfing scenes in the late 19th century. His watercolors and oils are in great demand as the works document the people, events, manner of play and even the golf courses before the advent of photography. He painted hundreds of small watercolors and a few larger oil paintings.
Hopkins’ appeal to golf enthusiasts stems from his ability to capture golfers playing the game on the links rather than posed portraits. He was able to paint large groups of people and had a gift in achieving such a good likeness that golfers, and even their friends and family, could recognize themselves from not only facial characteristics but also from their typical stances and swings. In addition, his paintings and watercolors recorded how the game was played from his depiction of tees, greens (not the finely manicured greens of today), holes and height of flag sticks. Also, seen in his paintings are types of clubs used, the advent of the golf bag, and typical golf dress in the second half of the 19th century.