Horse Racing Engraving Appraisal

Antiquarian Horse Racing Engraving - 'The Start'

This item is an antiquarian print, likely an engraving or lithograph, depicting a scene from a horse race before the start. The print is horizontally oriented and appears to be framed under glass with a reddish mat. The primary color palette is subdued, dominated by monochrome tones with subtle hand-coloring evident in certain areas, such as the red jacket of the jockey on the right, and possibly elements of the landscape or other figures. The composition shows several horses and their handlers, along with jockeys, gathered on a grassy field. On the left, a horse stands with a man in a top hat holding its reins, while another man holds a blanket or coat over his arm. In the center, several figures are engaged with two horses, suggesting preparation for the race. To the right, a jockey in a red jacket is mounted on a dark horse that appears somewhat agitated, rearing slightly, with a handler beside it. In the background, a crowd of spectators is visible, and the landscape extends to a distant horizon under a potentially cloudy sky. The style suggests it could be from the 19th century, given the attire of the figures and the horse racing theme prevalent during that period. The print shows signs of age, including potential discoloration or foxing consistent with old paper, though the exact condition is difficult to ascertain through the glass and reflection. A notable feature is the reflection of a multi-paned window on the upper left side of the glass, obscuring part of the image. The print itself seems to possess fine lines characteristic of an engraving, indicating a degree of craftsmanship in its production. The image captures a moment of anticipation and excitement typical of early horse racing scenes.