Horsemanship (Plate from The Gentleman's Recreation)
Hand-colored copperplate engraving on paper • Richard Blome (Publisher/Author); Engraver attributed to Francis Barlow or S. Gribelin
Style & Movement
English Baroque / Restoration Era sporting art
Medium & Technique
Intaglio engraving with selective watercolor hand-coloring. The technique involves incising lines into a copper plate which are then inked, wiped, and pressed onto paper.
Creation Period
Late 17th Century (Original publication circa 1686)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 14 x 9 inches (plate mark); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
An encyclopedic display of various horse breeds and their uses. The top features a cartouche held by pegasi with ribbons naming breeds like Turks, Barbs, and Arabians. The middle ground shows a carriage and riders, while the foreground highlights five distinct horse breeds. A dedicatory crest to John Noel of Luffenham is at the bottom.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears stable but shows typical signs of aging for a 300-year-old paper work including mild oxidation.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Originally part of 'The Gentleman's Recreation' published in London (1686/1710). Likely removed from an incomplete volume in the 20th century for individual framing. Current framing suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century decorative acquisition.
Art Historical Significance
Richard Blome's 'The Gentleman's Recreation' is one of the most famous 17th-century English sporting books. It provided a comprehensive guide to hunting, hawking, and horsemanship, marking a transition toward scientific classification and specialized sporting art in Britain.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive dedicatory crest and calligraphic inscription to John Noel. The composition is unique for its use of heraldic elements (Pegasus) combined with naturalistic animal anatomy.
Condition Issues
Visible browning (toning) of the paper consistent with age; possible minor foxing. The hand-coloring may be contemporary with the printing or a later 19th-century addition. There is slight waviness in the paper indicating a loose mount.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free archival matting. Do not hang in direct sunlight or high-humidity areas to prevent further foxing or fading of the watercolors.