Foxhunting: Clearing a Brook, 1863 William J. Shayer RE273406

Ah, what a thrilling and dynamic moment captured by the ever-talented William J. Shayer in his 1863 masterpiece, "Foxhunting: Clearing a Brook." This oil painting truly plunges us into the very heart of the chase, offering not only the sport’s physical intensity but also its graceful choreography between rider, horse, and hound.

The central figure, our gallant rider clad in that striking scarlet hunting coat, immediately commands the viewer’s attention. Positioned in mid-air as his horse leaps gallantly over the brook, he sits firmly astride his steed, every inch the seasoned huntsman. His face, though calm, is filled with a quiet determination, a man wholly in control of the moment. The slight tilt of his body indicates he’s well acquainted with the rhythm of such leaps—a man perfectly balanced between nature’s challenges and his mastery over the horse.

The horse, oh the horse! A magnificent black beauty, its muscles taut, legs stretched mid-leap in a moment of sheer suspension. Every inch of the animal is a testament to Shayer’s ability to capture not just the animal’s form, but the very essence of motion. Its back legs push powerfully off the ground while the front legs stretch forward, defying gravity, as it soars over the brook with an elegance that only a thoroughbred could possess. The glossy sheen of its coat is lovingly rendered, contrasting beautifully against the earthy tones of the landscape.

Beneath the rider’s leap, a foxhound bounds through the shallow waters of the brook, eyes alert and body slightly crouched as if it too is on the cusp of action. Its fur is wet, shimmering from the brook’s splash, and its focus mirrors the intensity of the hunt itself. You can almost hear the hound’s eager panting as it follows the scent of the fox, perfectly in tune with the riders above.

Behind the central rider, we see two more huntsmen, caught in the same frenetic energy. Their horses, equally determined, follow the lead, their bodies mid-jump, hooves barely grazing the fence that lines the brook. Shayer’s brushwork here is fluid, as if he’s caught these figures in the midst of a blink, in a flash of motion that will carry them forward in an instant.

The background, though more muted, still pulsates with life. A host of riders dressed in traditional hunting attire can be seen further afield, their red coats adding bright pops of color against the soft, hazy horizon. The distant figures seem to be part of an endless chase, perhaps weaving in and out of the trees as they press on in pursuit of the fox. The sky above them is softly rendered, the pale blues and grays suggesting an early morning hunt, where the mist has not yet entirely lifted from the air, adding a touch of atmosphere to the scene.

The landscape itself is lush, full of rolling greens and earthy browns. The brook’s waters glisten under the faint light, while the surrounding grass and shrubs seem alive with texture. The slightly barren, leafless tree in the foreground stretches its boughs upwards, as if offering a skeletal hand to witness the action. The overall palette is rich yet natural, using deep tones that ground the wild energy of the moment in the calm beauty of the countryside.

Shayer, with his characteristic skill, brings not only the thrill of the hunt but also a sense of reverence for the landscape and the animals involved. The viewer is transported into the scene, practically feeling the cool air, the splash of the brook, and the gallop of hooves thundering against the ground. The painting is a masterclass in balance—action and stillness, tension and release, tradition and spontaneity.

All in all, "Foxhunting: Clearing a Brook" is a celebration of the hunt in all its glory. It’s a study of grace in motion, with horse and rider perfectly synchronized, and the drama of the chase unfolding before our eyes. Quite a spectacle, wouldn’t you agree?