Foxhunting – The Few Not Funkers Richard Barrett Davis (1782-1854)

The composition presents a scene of vigorous pursuit across undulating terrain. A group of mounted figures, clad in striking red jackets and black hats, dominate the foreground, engaged in what appears to be a foxhunt. Their horses, rendered with considerable energy, leap over a rise, their forms conveying both power and controlled movement. The riders are positioned at varying points along the line, suggesting differing levels of skill or experience within the group.
The landscape itself is simplified, yet evocative. A rolling hillside stretches into the distance, culminating in a hazy horizon where land meets sky. The muted palette of greens and browns establishes a sense of rural England, while the overcast sky contributes to an atmosphere of briskness and potential for inclement weather. A cluster of buildings can be discerned on the right side of the scene, hinting at human habitation within this expansive landscape. A pack of hounds is visible in the left foreground, their forms blurred by motion as they follow the scent.
Beyond the immediate depiction of a sporting pastime, the painting seems to explore themes of social hierarchy and rural leisure. The bright red attire of the riders signifies status and belonging to an elite class, while the activity itself – the pursuit of wildlife – represents a form of privileged recreation. The vastness of the landscape underscores the landowners’ dominion over the countryside.
There is a certain dynamism in the work; the figures are not static but caught in mid-action, conveying a sense of urgency and excitement. The artists choice to depict this moment of heightened activity – the leap over the rise – suggests an emphasis on skill, courage, and the thrill of the chase. The overall effect is one of controlled energy and understated elegance, characteristic of depictions of aristocratic pursuits in earlier periods.