‘For happy he who tops the wheeling chace’ (1794)

In this vivid depiction crafted by the talented Samuel Howitt in 1794, the painting "For happy he who tops the wheeling chace" brings to life the dynamic energy and fervor of a traditional fox hunt in 18th-century Britain. The scene is lushly illustrated, capturing a moment teeming with movement and excitement.Centered around the intense pursuit of a fox, the painting presents a spirited pack of hounds in mid-action, their forms beautifully defined and scattered across the forest terrain. With meticulous attention to detail, Howitt captures not only the physical vigour of the hounds but also the urgency and keenness that animate their expressions.Observing from the sidelines, a group of hunters on horseback are portrayed conversing and watching the chase unfold. Dressed in bright hunting reds, they provide a stark contrast to the more subdued, earthy tones of the forest environment. This juxtaposition not only focuses attention on the participants but also enhances the sense of a traditional and elite activity that hunting was considered at the time.The natural setting is rendered with soft, yet precise brushstrokes, portraying gnarled trees and a dappled sky that hint at the wild beauty of the British countryside. This backdrop serves as more than just a setting; it encapsulates the harmony between human leisure activities and the raw beauty of nature.Samuel Howitt's masterpiece is not just a depiction of a hunt but a vivid narrative that viewers can dive into, allowing them to sense the exhilaration and peril inherent in the chase.