Horsemanship: Treats of Horses and Their Breeds
Hand-colored engraving on paper, likely a book plate • Richard Blome (English, 1635–1705), from 'The Gentleman’s Recreation'
Style & Movement
English Baroque / Sporting Art
Medium & Technique
Copperplate engraving with later hand-applied watercolor washes
Creation Period
Original plate c. 1686; however, the bright coloration and modern framing suggest a 19th or 20th-century reproduction or restrike.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 14 x 9 inches (plate mark), 24 x 18 inches (framed), portrait orientation
Subject Description
An instructional and heraldic composition featuring various horse breeds and equestrian activities. The top features a cartouche held by pegasi; the center shows horses in a landscape with a carriage in the background; the bottom contains a dedication to The Honourable John Noel of Rutlandshire with an armorial crest.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors are vibrant, but the paper shows some toning and the matting is decorative/modern.
Estimated Market Value
USD 150.00 – USD 350.00
Auction Estimate
USD 100.00 – USD 250.00
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a broken volume of 'The Gentleman's Recreation' or a late-period restrike for decorative use; no specific previous owner labels visible.
Art Historical Significance
Richard Blome's 'The Gentleman’s Recreation' was one of the most comprehensive 17th-century encyclopedias of sporting life, arts, and sciences in England, reflecting the tastes of the Restoration-era gentry.
Notable Features
Features a dedication to John Noel; includes scrolls labeling horse categories such as 'English,' 'Spanish,' and 'Turkish.' The ornate 'cracked-paint' style matting and gilded frame suggests high-end residential interior decoration.
Condition Issues
Minor paper yellowing consistent with age; possible light-fading if exposed to UV; the crackle-finish matting is a decorative element and not a condition issue of the print itself.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the print is mounted with acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass; avoid hanging in direct sunlight to prevent watercolor fading.