Into the perilous flood (1794)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Samuel Howitt's 1794 painting, "Into the Perilous Flood," captures a dramatic moment in the tradition of English fox hunting, known for blending both the nobility and peril of the sport. In this dynamic scene, three riders on horseback are depicted at the crucial moment of crossing a rushing, tumultuous stream.The central rider, showing prominence and urgency, bravely leads his horse into the water, illustrating the painting's title. His face set with determination, he seems to embody the spirit of the adventurous huntsman. To the left, another rider prepares to enter the stream, looking on hesitantly, representing perhaps a moment of apprehension. The composition is balanced by a third rider on the right who is already urging his horse forward, gripping the reins tightly as they splash through the water.The surrounding landscape, rendered with detailed trees and a cloudy sky, enhances the sense of a challenging wilderness that these riders face. The stormy, unkempt setting not only highlights the danger associated with the pursuit but also anchors the scene firmly in a traditional British hunting landscape, which was a popular subject during this period.