Clyde Park

Howard Everett Smith

Howard E. Smith is considered an American impressionist who was known for his portraits and equine paintings and prints. His interest in horses can be seen in his many lithographs and etchings of equestrian events.

That fascination is evident in this etching of the racetrack in Clyde Park, around 1934. The two horses in the lead kick up a cloud of dust, to the detriment of the rest of the horses and jockeys. This image is illustrated as number 84 in the Montgomery Gallery, San Francisco, CA exhibition catalog of 1986.

Clyde Park is an oval racetrack located in Brookline, Massachusetts, located at the Country Club, also home of the oldest golf course laid out in the country (1892). The original "Stock Farm", originally owned by Daniel Webster and which included the half-mile long race track was purchased in 1845 and in 1887 became the property of the Club. The track, located at 191 Clyde Street, still exists, though the depicted pavilion is gone.

Smith was elected an Associate in the National Academy of Design in 1921 and an Academician in 1969. He died in Monterey, California on October 9, 1970.