John Francis Sartorius The earth stopper; Setting out; Full cry; Lost scent; Taking the fence; The kill 28567 20 часть 3 -- European art Европейская живопись

The presented series of six small paintings documents a fox hunt in sequential stages. Each panel depicts a distinct moment within this pursuit, creating a narrative sequence that unfolds across the composition. The overall palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and ochres – which evoke a sense of autumnal landscape and reinforce the rural setting.
The first painting establishes the initial scene: a gentleman on horseback sits patiently beneath trees, seemingly awaiting the commencement of the hunt. A pack of hounds gathers around him, their postures suggesting anticipation. In the background, a distant structure – possibly a manor house or castle – hints at the social context of this activity.
Subsequent panels chronicle the progression of the chase. The second shows riders and hounds in full pursuit across an open field, with a large building visible on the horizon. The third depicts a moment of heightened excitement as the dogs pick up a scent, their bodies straining forward. The fourth panel portrays a rider successfully navigating a fence, demonstrating skill and athleticism within the hunt.
The fifth painting captures a dynamic scene where a rider clears another obstacle, emphasizing the speed and agility required for this sport. Finally, the last panel illustrates the culmination of the chase: the kill. Here we see a chaotic flurry of activity as horses and hounds surround their quarry in a field, marking the end of the hunts narrative arc.
The artist’s use of perspective is consistent across all panels, maintaining a relatively low viewpoint that emphasizes the scale of the landscape and the energy of the pursuit. The figures are rendered with a degree of realism, though somewhat stylized, suggesting an idealized portrayal of rural life and aristocratic leisure.
Beyond the literal depiction of a fox hunt, these paintings carry subtexts related to class structure and social hierarchy. The presence of well-dressed riders on fine horses underscores the privilege associated with such activities. The landscape itself is presented as a backdrop for this display of power and control over nature. The series functions not merely as a record of an event but also as a visual statement about societal roles and values within a specific historical context.