The Quorn Hunt in Full Cry – Second Horses, after Henry Alken John Dalby (1810-1865)

Here we observe a scene depicting a group engaged in equestrian pursuit across a rural landscape. The composition is dominated by horses and riders, all actively navigating a series of obstacles – a low hedge forms a prominent barrier in the foreground, while a gate punctuates the mid-ground. The figures are uniformly dressed in scarlet hunting jackets with dark trousers and boots, suggesting a shared social class and purpose. Their postures convey a sense of controlled energy and focused determination as they clear the fence line.
The artist has rendered the horses with considerable attention to detail, capturing their muscularity and dynamic movement. A range of equine colors is present – bay, chestnut, grey – adding visual interest to the group. The riders are positioned at varying points in relation to the hedge, some already having cleared it, others poised for the jump. This creates a sense of depth and action within the scene.
The background reveals a broader vista of rolling fields and distant trees under a sky streaked with pink and grey clouds. The horizon line is relatively low, emphasizing the expanse of the land and contributing to the feeling of open space. A cluster of buildings can be discerned in the far distance, hinting at human settlement within this rural setting.
Subtly embedded within the scene are indications of social hierarchy and leisure. The activity itself – a formalized hunt – was historically a pastime reserved for the landed gentry and upper classes. The meticulous depiction of attire and equipment reinforces this association with privilege. The landscape is presented not as a place of labor or hardship, but as an arena for sport and recreation.
The painting’s composition suggests a celebration of rural life and traditional pursuits. It conveys a sense of vitality and connection to the land, while simultaneously offering a glimpse into the social customs and values of a particular historical period. The overall impression is one of controlled chaos – the energy of the hunt tempered by the formality of dress and the structured nature of the terrain.