Henry Koehler
Constellation, Yellow Sky
About this Item
signed; dated 1973 and inscribed with the artist's name and the title on the reverse
Notes
Henry Koehler is an American sporting artist renowned for his depictions of equestrian and field sports. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he graduated from Yale University and began his artistic career as an illustrator, contributing to The New Yorker, Town & Country, and Sports Illustrated. His first solo exhibition was held in 1961, and he has since showcased his work in over 70 exhibitions across the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and South Africa.
Koehler's oeuvre encompasses a range of sporting subjects, including fox hunting, polo, racing, and steeplechasing. He is particularly noted for his intimate portrayals of jockeys, horses, and the accoutrements of these sports. His work is held in esteemed collections such as the National Racing Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York, and the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket, United Kingdom. Additionally, his paintings have been featured in exhibitions at institutions like the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg, Virginia, and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs.
Throughout his career, Koehler's work has attracted a distinguished clientele, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ralph Lauren, and the Duke of Beaufort. In 1974, he designed the United States of America postage stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost contemporary sporting artists.