The Field becomes Select, from The Grand Steeplechase over Leicestershire Possibly 1830

Editor: This is "The Field becomes Select, from The Grand Steeplechase over Leicestershire," possibly created around 1830 by Charles Bentley. It’s a print made with watercolor. What strikes me is the implied motion—you can almost hear the thundering hooves. What do you see in this image? Curator: The repetition of forms immediately stands out. The horses mirror each other in their powerful stride. Look closer. What does the rhythmic sequence of these figures tell us about English society at the time? Editor: Well, it suggests a society that values spectacle and perhaps idealized versions of aristocratic leisure? Curator: Precisely. The steeplechase itself became a powerful symbol. Note how the riders, rigidly posed, almost become extensions of their mounts, blurring human and animal power. The cultural memory associated with horses transcends mere transportation, wouldn't you agree? They symbolize status, conquest, even a sort of wild freedom tamed and displayed. Does this tension come across for you? Editor: Yes, I hadn't thought of it that way. The landscape seems secondary, yet provides the very ground for this display of power. Are there more contemporary resonances with imagery such as this? Curator: Absolutely. We continue to be fascinated by images of speed, power, and competition. Bentley’s print anticipates later representations of sport and speed, reflecting the continuity of these archetypes across time and culture. Think about what car advertisements attempt to convey. Editor: That's fascinating! It’s given me a lot to consider regarding the symbolism of both horses and the riders here. Thanks for sharing your perspective! Curator: My pleasure. The key is to recognize the deeper layers of meaning woven into these seemingly straightforward depictions.