The Few Not Funkers, 1840 Richard Barrett Davis RE508445

This scene, painted by Richard Barrett Davis in 1840, titled "Foxhunting: The Few Not Funkers," is a grand, sweeping portrayal of the English countryside’s favorite sporting pursuit. What we have here is an absolute celebration of the chase—horsemen, hounds, and the vast, rolling hills all converging in a moment that speaks of speed, exhilaration, and unyielding determination.

The eye is immediately drawn to the band of riders, clad in their striking red coats, perfectly aligned as they gallop across the rugged terrain. Their horses are captured mid-stride, their powerful bodies stretched out in a gallop that mirrors the energy of the hunt itself. The craftsmanship with which Davis has rendered these horses is exceptional—each one unique in color and posture, from the bold bay in the foreground to the noble white mount slightly behind. Every horse is full of motion, the play of muscles beneath their sleek coats evident, as their legs reach forward, striving to close the gap with the quarry.

The riders themselves exude the calm control and confidence expected of seasoned huntsmen. Their faces, though distant, appear focused, their bodies in perfect harmony with their horses. Look closely, and you’ll notice the subtle details—the neatly buttoned coats, the stiff top hats, and the reins gripped firmly in hand. This is not their first hunt, you can tell; these are men at ease with the wildness of the sport.

And then, of course, we have the hounds—the loyal pack leading the charge, noses to the ground, following the invisible trail of the fox with relentless precision. These dogs, expertly painted with quick, dynamic strokes, convey an intensity and instinct that lies at the very heart of foxhunting. One can almost hear their eager barking as they race ahead, pulling the entire ensemble forward.

The landscape is vast, wild, and wonderfully atmospheric. The rolling hills, with their muted greens and browns, stretch far into the distance, creating a sense of space that amplifies the feeling of freedom that the hunt embodies. There is an almost palpable breeze, as if the scene itself is infused with the crisp freshness of an early morning. The sky, with its soft, clouded tones of grey and pale blue, adds a certain drama—hinting at the unpredictability of the weather, much like the hunt itself. Yet, there is a serenity in the way the landscape is presented, a reminder of the natural beauty through which the chase unfolds.

To the right, in the background, we see more riders—distant figures who, though smaller, are no less committed to the pursuit. The horizon stretches endlessly, with more huntsmen dotting the landscape, creating a sense of a much larger, collective hunt. This detail adds a layer of depth, making it clear that this is not just a solitary event but a grand spectacle in which many are involved.

The composition as a whole is one of elegance and movement. Davis has perfectly balanced the action with the serene beauty of the countryside. The riders, though moving at full speed, do not overwhelm the scene; instead, they complement the flow of the rolling hills and the gentle curve of the landscape.

In the foreground, the foliage is rough and untamed, bending under the weight of the horses’ charge, while the middle ground flattens out slightly, allowing the action to take center stage. The inclusion of sparse trees, barren and skeletal, serves as a reminder of the wildness of the setting—nature in its raw form, both beautiful and formidable.

The title, "The Few Not Funkers," implies that these are the brave ones, those who do not shrink from the challenge of the hunt but embrace it with full fervor. And indeed, that spirit is alive in every brushstroke—these are not men and horses merely galloping for sport, but participants in a tradition, a test of endurance, courage, and skill.

In summary, this painting by Richard Barrett Davis is a magnificent ode to the thrill of foxhunting. It is not just a portrayal of the physical chase, but of the spirit of the sport—an expression of both man and beast, working together in a dynamic and exhilarating dance across the rolling English countryside. The energy, the movement, the tradition—it’s all here, captured with a masterful hand and an eye for detail that brings the entire scene to life. Quite splendid, don’t you think?

RE508445