A pastel portrait of a chestnut horse walking to the left, and being led by Prince Albert's groom, Jacob Hirsch. A partial view out to the Royal Mews at Windsor is seen through the door on the left. 

Sultan was probably bought by or given to Queen Victoria as a gift in 1842. He was often ridden by Prince Albert, and died in 1859. 

Little is known about Sperling, whose first name was possibly Julius. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1845 and 1848, including a picture of a stallion belonging to the King of Württemburg. A lithograph, dated 1848, of a portrait of Baron von Hügel bears the same (draughtman's) signature as visible on RCIN 926155 (see the impression in the National Portrait Gallery).