The Meet
Print on paper, likely an aquatint or lithograph with hand-coloring • Painted by Henry Alken (indicated by 'Painted by H. Alken' text on print); Engraved by W. Hunt.
Style & Movement
English Sporting Art / Romanticism
Medium & Technique
Hand-colored print involving engraving or lithography; features fine line work and watercolor washes for the iconic 'pink' hunting coats and sky.
Creation Period
Original composition circa 1820s-1840s; this specific print appears to be a 19th or early 20th-century restrike/reproduction.
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated image size 12 x 18 inches, framed to approximately 20 x 26 inches.
Subject Description
A traditional British fox hunting scene depicting hunters in formal attire (red coats/top hats) gathering with their hounds near a windmill before the hunt begins.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the print is well-preserved under glass with vibrant colors, though the matting shows modern decorative marbling.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely a decorative acquisition for a private residence; no specific prestigious gallery labels visible, but typical of English country house style decor.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the height of the British Sporting Art tradition popularized by Henry Alken, documenting the social customs and equestrian life of the 19th-century gentry.
Notable Features
Includes the title 'THE MEET' at the bottom center and specific credits for the painter and engraver in the lower margins; housed in a high-quality tiered frame with a marbled inlay mat.
Condition Issues
Minor age-toning of the paper and potential light acidity from the non-archival matting; slight reflection suggests glass is non-UV protected.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure use of acid-free matting and UV-protective glazing to prevent further paper discoloration and fading of hand-applied colors.