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Fine Pair of English Antique Oil Hunt Scene Paintings by Samuel Henry Alken
About the Item
SAMUEL HENRY GORDON ALKEN
British, 1810-1894
"At Covert" & "The End of the Run"
Oil on canvas "The End of the Run" signed lower left "H. Alken"
16 7/8" H x 23" W x 1 7/8" D [frame]
14" H x 20" W [canvas]
Provenance: Arthur Ackermann & Son, Ltd., London; with Christie's, London, British Pictures 1500-1850, 16 June 2005, lot 317 (achieved 16,800 GBP, approx. $ 30,500 USD at prevailing exchange rate at the time of sale); there acquired for a Private Collection in Maryland
Essay
This exhuberant pair of hunting scenes exemplifies the mature style of Samuel Henry Gordon Alken, whose name is often conflated with that of his father, Henry Thomas Alken. It is interesting that the title plaques on each painting attribute the paintings to Alken's father when they are compositionally and structurally by the hand of the son.
In "At Covert", the viewer is presented with a moment of anticipation: hounds move eagerly past the mounted huntsmen to disappear into the thicket while country gentlemen on horseback and on foot observe from a distance. The autumnal palette, bare trees, and layered figures are arranged to emphasize the formality and ritual of the pre-hunt gathering.
"The End of the Run" offers the reciprocal moment, capturing the hounds in a moment of intense animation as the hunt culminates in the cornering of a fox on the thatched roof of a nearby estate. The viewer can almost feel the air of excitement as a once quiet courtyard is overrun with excited hounds while riders and their mounts race to catch up.
Together, the paintings represent a complete narrative arc, from the ceremonial start to the chaotic return. Each is painted with an expert hand, exhibiting intricate brushwork and an intimate understanding of the hunt and its conventions. The works are typical of Alken’s ability to organize complex scenes with multiple figures without sacrificing legibility or momentum.
Condition:
This pair is presently out for conservation to have the old varnish removed and a new varnish applied. For clients interested in the pair, please reach out to reserve them upon returning from conservation.
Slightly opaque varnish presenting with a grime layer that obscures the brilliant colors of the scenes; light scuff to the varnish layer in the left of "At Covert" at the horizon that has not projected into the lower paint layers; light craquelure throughout; minor rubbing to the extreme edges of the paintings where the frame rubs; under UV examination, both works have inpainting in the skies, trace touchups to craquelure, and very minor speck touchups here and there.
Biography
Samuel Henry Gordon Alken (1810–1894) was a British painter and etcher renowned for his depictions of equestrian and sporting scenes. Born in Ipswich, Suffolk, he was the son of Henry Thomas Alken, a prominent sporting artist, and Maria Gordon. Alken received his artistic training under his father's guidance, developing a style that closely mirrored that of his mentor, often leading to confusion between their works.
Alken's oeuvre primarily focused on hunting scenes, horse racing events—including portrayals of the Derby—and coaching scenes. His attention to detail and dynamic compositions captured the essence of 19th-century British sporting life. In collaboration with George Augustus Sala, Alken contributed to the creation of an extensive aquatint depicting the funeral procession of the Duke of Wellington, a work comprising twenty-eight sheets and published in 1853.
Throughout his career, Alken resided in various parts of London, including the Strand, Covent Garden, and Hammersmith, before moving to Shadwell in Essex. His works are held in several public collections across the UK, reflecting his contribution to British sporting art.
ref. 503QHY17G
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Established in 2009, we have available in our 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery an ever-changing selection of carefully curated and catalogued furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and estate jewelry. Our company has long specialized in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.
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- Creator:Henry Alken (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 16.88 in (42.88 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 1.88 in (4.78 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Romantic (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1875
- Condition:This pair is presently out for conservation to have the old varnish removed and a new varnish applied. For clients interested in the pair, please reach out to reserve them upon returning from conservation.
- Seller Location:Shippensburg, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 503QHY17G1stDibs: LU1059044551012
Henry Alken
Henry Thomas Alken (12 October 1785 – 7 April 1851) was an English painter and engraver chiefly known as a caricaturist and illustrator of sporting subjects and coaching scenes. His most prolific period of painting and drawing occurred between 1816 and 1831.
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