Fox Hunt, Lady and Gentleman Riders c. 1865

W. H. Temple’s drawing, "Fox Hunt, Lady and Gentleman Riders" presents a glimpse into a pastime of the landed gentry. This monochrome drawing captures the energy and thrill of the fox hunt, a sport deeply entrenched in the social fabric of the British upper class. The inclusion of a woman rider is intriguing. Women often had to negotiate societal expectations in traditionally male spaces. Note how she is depicted in full skirt, riding alongside the gentleman, suggesting perhaps an attempt to depict a shift in gender roles. This depiction may reflect the complex negotiations women undertook in asserting themselves in public life while still adhering to certain norms. The hunt itself speaks to a hierarchy: the hunters, the hunted, and the landscape that serves as backdrop. Temple’s drawing isn't just a sporting scene; it's a glimpse into a world where class, gender, and the natural world intersect.