Throw the broad ditch behind you (1794)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
"Throw the broad ditch behind you" is an evocative illustration by Samuel Howitt, created in 1794. This work gracefully depicts a moment of vibrant action within a traditional English fox hunt. In the foreground, a powerful horse, ridden by an elegantly attired huntswoman, bounds over a broad ditch with effortless poise. Her focused expression and confident posture, combined with the dynamic leap of the horse, infuse the scene with energy.To the left, a huntsman and two dogs wait attentively, observing the leap, while in the background, several other riders and hounds emerge from a wooded area, reinforcing the communal aspect of the hunt. The scene is framed by a lush landscape of trees and undergrowth, which adds a rich texture and depth to the composition.Samuel Howitt's attention to detail—not only in the subjects but also in the rolling landscape and foliage—serves to capture the essence of the English countryside and the spirited nature of the hunt, encapsulating a moment of challenge and triumph in nature and sport.