Samuel Alken, Jnr, British 1784-1825- Breaking cover; oil on canvas,...

Samuel Alken, Jnr,
British 1784-1825-

Breaking cover;

oil on canvas, signed 'S. Alken.' (lower right), 61.5 x 92 cm.

Note:
By the end of the 18th century, the sport of fox-hunting, once the reserve of wealthy landowners, was increasingly syndicated and financed by subscription. The demand for hunting pictures was at its highest and painters found ready employment in this field. Samuel Alken Junior was a member of one of the most prominent families of sporting artists working in Britain at this time. His father, Samuel Alken Snr (1756-1815), was the founder of the family tradition and was renowned for his quintessentially British hunting and sporting landscapes in the manner of George Stubbs ARA (1724-1806). It is probable that Samuel Alken Junior, like his younger brother Henry Thomas Alken (1785-1851) received his artistic training from his father. The present work was likely painted in c.1810, when the artist was generally signing his works S. Alken.