On Friday, July 12, we celebrate the birthday of Edward Troye (1808–1874), America’s preeminent animal painter of the 19th century. Readers who have visited Lexington, Kentucky may have unknowingly seen his work across town as “Big Lex,” the big blue horse that was adapted from his portrait of the champion stallion Lexington.

To learn more about Troye (and see “Big Lex”), read the Times’ contribution to American Racehorse about the artist and the National Sporting Library & Museum’s exhibitions of his work; see page 26 of the online issue.

Also, feel free to view our post about our visit to Troye’s burial place in Georgetown Cemetery in Lexington–photos can be accessed here.