Thomas W. Bretland

THOMAS W. BRETLAND (Nottingham, England, 1802-1874)
Hunting.
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 54'5 x 74 cm; 66 x 84'5 cm (frame).
At the end of the XVIII century and especially throughout the XIX century in England the genre of animalistic painting developed extraordinarily. The great tradition of equestrian competitions in England, where the monarchy and the aristocracy met in events that went (and still go) far beyond the simple sporting competition, undoubtedly favored the painting of horses and the specialization of painters in this genre. The English greatly appreciated the naturalistic representation of animals and the works were conceived in many cases as true portraits of these racing heroes. Within the animalistic genre, the painting of hunts, especially of the popular fox hunting, one of the favorite leisure activities of the British nobility, also stood out enormously. Thomas Bretland specialized in these types of painting. Originally destined for the world of commerce, to which his father was dedicated, Bretland soon demonstrated his skill with the brushes, which earned him the protection of the wealthiest bourgeoisie and nobility. Among his works is the portrait of a famous horse belonging to Major Burton, who participated in the Balaklava campaign, among other pieces.
In this hunt the painter depicts the horses galloping, following the path marked by the hounds chasing the game. The painter represents with remarkable verism a view of the English countryside. It is an extensive meadow crossed by the meanders of a river, with the horizon line placed relatively low, leaving ample space for the sky, as is usual in this genre. The artist is interested in the anatomy of the horses, remarkably well resolved, and the attitude of the various jockeys who ride them.