Artist: Thomas Weaver (1774–1843)
John Day
DAY, JOHN (1761–1815), painting dated 1811; added to collection between 1934–1974
This painting is not only the smallest in the collection, at 24-by–19-inches, it is also the oldest, painted by prominent English artist Thomas Weaver (1774–1843) in 1811. The subject was arguably the greatest livestock promoter of his day—John Day from Lincolnshire, England—who purchased the massive, castrated bull known as the Durham Ox from breeder Charles Colling in 1801. The Durham Ox was an animal of extraordinary size and exemplary conformation. John Day commissioned the construction of a custom, four-horse carriage, and he proceeded to tour the ox to fairs and other events throughout England and Scotland for six years. Day also published engravings of the animal that became popular prints at the time, building a Durham Ox legend and helping establish Shorthorn breed standards. John Day’s portrait, which depicts him holding a Durham Ox engraving, must have been acquired after the 1934 fire.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 79