British Sporting Art Appraisal

Fox Hunt Scene Oil Painting

This is an oil painting depicting a fox hunt scene, housed in a double-layered wooden frame with an inner black border and an outer ornate gold-toned frame. The painting itself is executed on what appears to be canvas or board, featuring a landscape with rolling hills in the background, a body of water in the foreground, and a group of riders on horseback, many dressed in traditional red hunting coats, pursuing a pack of hounds. The hounds, numbering at least six visible, are depicted in motion across the grassy field. The brushstrokes are visible, suggesting an impasto technique in areas, particularly in the foliage and the horses' coats. A bare, slender tree stands prominently on the left side of the composition, contrasting with the fuller green trees on the right. The sky is overcast with a mix of blue and grey clouds. The overall condition of the painting appears good, with no obvious signs of cracking, flaking paint, or significant damage from the provided images. The frame shows minor wear consistent with age, but no major breaks or repairs are immediately apparent. A signature or artist's mark is visible in the lower right corner, though it is not clearly legible from the provided image. The style suggests it could be a 20th-century work, possibly mid to late 20th century, drawing from traditional sporting art themes. The craftsmanship appears to be of a competent level, capturing the dynamic energy of the hunt.