Greyhounds Coursing a Hare (also known as Running, a Coursing Scene)
Painting on canvas • Dean Wolstenholme the Elder (1757–1837)
Style & Movement
British Sporting Art / Romanticism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; fine brushwork with glazing and wet-on-wet applications used to render the texture of the dogs' coats and the atmospheric sky.
Creation Period
Early 19th Century (circa 1810-1830)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (50 x 60 cm); Landscape format
Subject Description
A dynamic coursing scene featuring two greyhounds (one white/fawn and one black) in full gallop pursuing a hare in the lower left. A rider in formal hunt attire follows in the middle distance against a rolling English landscape under a clouded, dramatic sky. The composition emphasizes speed and the tradition of country sports.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Post-Restoration); The work has been professionally restored but exhibits visible historical craquelure and evidence of previous canvas stress.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $8,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely originated from a private English sporting collection; common for works of this type to have passed through specialist sporting art dealers or regional UK estates.
Art Historical Significance
Wolstenholme the Elder was a foundational figure in the British Sporting School. This work is significant for its realistic anatomical depiction of hounds in motion and its contribution to the cultural record of 19th-century English rural pastimes.
Notable Features
Excellent anatomical execution of the greyhounds' 'double-suspension' gallop; the inclusion of the rider adds a narrative layer of class and pastime; the professional restoration has stabilized the paint layer while preserving the antique character.
Condition Issues
Visible network of stable age-related craquelure throughout; horizontal and vertical stretcher bar marks visible in the paint film; some minor thinning of glazes due to historical cleaning.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment (45-55% humidity) to prevent further expansion of craquelure; display under UV-filtered light; ensure the frame is secure and utilizes an archival backing board.
Collector Notes
The painting in the selected region is Greyhounds Coursing a Hare (also known as Running, a Coursing Scene) by the prominent British sporting artist Dean Wolstenholme the Elder (1757–1837) painting has been restored professionally