Live Auction 2146219th Century American Art
HENRY H. CROSS (1837-1918)
Lot 333 Property from an East Coast Private Collection

HENRY H. CROSS (1837-1918)

The Old Union Race Course, Long Island, New York: Wednesday, May 10, 1854

Closed19 January 2023

Price Realised

USD 37,800

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HENRY H. CROSS (1837-1918)
The Old Union Race Course, Long Island, New York: Wednesday, May 10, 1854
signed and dated 'H.H. Cross/1854.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
42 x 60 in. (106.7 x 152.4 cm.)
Painted in 1854.

Private collection, Amsterdam, New York.
Christie's, New York, 6 June 1986, lot 156, sold by the above.
Hirschl & Adler Galleries, Inc., New York, acquired from the above.
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1994.

Specialist note

The present work depicts the historic race between the horses True John (at left) and Grey Eddy (at right) at the Union Course, which was a nationally-known horse racing track located in present-day Woodhaven, Queens. Completing the course in 2:40, the latter won the purse of $2,000, with ‘the fastest time ever made by any horse to a 250 pound wagon.’ With over 3,000 people in attendance, it was an event not to be missed, and Cross’s painting captures the verve of the exciting day. Many of the spectators depicted here have been identified including Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, boxing world champion John Morrissey and champion horse trainer Hiram Woodruff. Although the grounds were sold in 1872, it is still recognized for hosting some of the most famous races in American history and its name is honored by the nearby Union Turnpike running through eastern Queens.

A key identifying almost two-dozen figures throughout the composition will accompany this lot.