Hunting Scene: Horse and Thrown Rider 1867 - 1883

Francis Arthur Fraser made this drawing, ‘Hunting Scene: Horse and Thrown Rider,’ sometime between the mid-19th and early 20th century with pen and ink on paper. Fraser was known for his sporting and military subjects, often reproduced as illustrations in periodicals. Here, the controlled lines and varied cross-hatching of the pen create a detailed image, capturing a mishap during a fox hunt. Look closely, and you will see a rider who has clearly taken a tumble, much to the amusement of another rider. The artist’s skill is evident in the way he renders the textures of the horses' coats, the riders' attire, and the surrounding landscape. Fraser's choice of pen and ink is significant; it allowed for mass production and distribution of his images in books and magazines, and the rise of the illustrated press created a demand for artists like Fraser, who could capture scenes of contemporary life with accuracy and flair. This drawing, therefore, is not just a depiction of a hunting scene, but also a product of the Victorian era's burgeoning print culture. It is a reminder of the close relationship between art, industry, and social life.