I’ve always enjoyed sporting events primarily for the spectacle and the snacks. Specifically I remember as a child learning to smash peanut shells on the hand rests at Wrigley Field and had what I thought was the best froyo of my life at the United Center getting to watch Jordan play with the 1996 Bulls. I don’t remember who won or lost either game but closely recall the food, smells, colors, stadium, and excitement of the teams playing ball. What’s very special about the Kentucky Derby is that the artistic accoutrements are every bit as much the essence of the event as are the horses. From the garb, to the Southern fare, to the styling of the jockeys and horses, to the architecture of Churchill Downs, this is without a doubt a horse race of a different color. While I can get lost in the fashion, menu, and ambience of such a historic event, today’s post is about the art of the event and the people behind it. The art and artists of the Kentucky Derby are an important part of the race’s cultural identity, and we’re excited to highlight some of the original influencers and content creators that made this event what it is today.
The early years of Kentucky Derby art saw a variety of artistic depictions of the race, ranging from sketches and paintings to engravings and lithographs. One of the most notable artists of this era was Edward Troye, a Swiss-born painter who specialized in equine portraiture. Troye’s depictions of horses and jockeys were highly sought-after, and he became known as one of the most skilled equine artists of his time.
1832 Trifle Edward Troye
American artist Haddon Sundblom painted “The Kentucky Derby.” The painting depicts the historic 1914 race when Old Rosebud beat the field by 8 lengths that held the race record for 17 years. The painting was reproduced as a limited edition signed and numbered lithograph series, and those prints are highly sought after by art and sport collectors today.
Jim Cantrell
Keith Anderson
Jeaneen Barnhart
Ralph Fugate
In the years that followed, the art of the Kentucky Derby continued to evolve and grow in popularity. The Kentucky Derby Festival, which began in 1956, played a significant role in this development by commissioning artists to create posters for the festival each year. Since then, a wide variety of artists have been commissioned to create posters for the Kentucky Derby Festival and Race, including Jim Cantrell, Keith Anderson, Jeaneen Barnhart, and Ralph Fugate, among many others. Each artist brings his/her/their unique style and perspective to the posters and print media, resulting in a diverse range of artwork that reflects the spirit of the Kentucky Derby.
Liesl Long Chaintreuil
The Kentucky Derby Festival posters are not only beautiful works of art, but also important cultural artifacts that reflect the changing times and tastes of each era. The Official 2023 Kentucky Derby Festival poster artist is Liesl Long Chaintreuil featuring vibrant hot air balloons, winged horses, figures, the skyline, and fireworks. 
Rifle Paper Company
In recent years, the visual art of the Kentucky Derby has continued to evolve and adapt to changing cultural trends. Technology has had a particularly significant impact on the creation and distribution of Kentucky Derby art, with social media and online platforms providing new opportunities for artists to showcase their work and connect with audiences around the world. Many artists now use digital tools to create their artwork, and social media platforms like Instagram have become important platforms for sharing and promoting their work. Rifle Paper Company is currently selling a contemporary gouache print of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. This image is available in many print forms including invitations prominently featured by online designers and influencers.
In conclusion, the art of the Kentucky Derby is an important part of the race’s cultural legacy, and has played a significant role in shaping the way that people think about and celebrate this iconic American event. Adjacent to the quintessential visuals of the event, a rich history of fine art influence has shaped the race into its modern form. From the early paintings and lithographs of the late 1800s to the vibrant and colorful posters of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the art of the Kentucky Derby reflects the changing tastes and cultural trends of each era, while remaining true to the spirit of the race itself. Whether it’s through traditional art forms or modern digital mediums, the art of the Kentucky Derby will continue to inspire and delight people for generations to come.
Sources:
https://www.kentuckyderby.com
https://www.jeaneenbarnhart.com
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/237154/official-art-of-2020-kentucky-derby-unveiled
https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/churchill-downs-releases-2017-official-art-of-the-kentucky-derby-by-kentucky-artist-jim-cantrell
https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2021/04/26/fugate-official-kentucky-derby-artist
https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/The-Kentucky-Derby/947BF09727177FCA
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