Four Scenes: How to Stop your Horse at Pleasure; Geoffrey Gombado Esq-r.; How to Ride up Hyde Park; A Bit of Blood 1787

These four scenes were etched by Henry William Bunbury, likely in the late 18th century. The hand-colored print uses delicate lines and soft washes of color to depict humorous scenes of horsemanship and country life. The arrangement into a grid, emphasizes a structural formality typical of prints from this period. Bunbury plays with the conventions of social satire through exaggerated poses and absurd situations. In "How to Stop your Horse at Pleasure," the figure’s struggle with his steed becomes a commentary on control and the often-frustrated desires of the landed gentry. The composition challenges the perceived authority of the rider, reducing him to a figure of fun. The somewhat deflated and resigned posture of "Geoffrey Gombado Esq-r." further destabilizes notions of aristocratic prowess. Through his use of caricature and carefully considered layout, Bunbury’s print invites us to question the values and self-image of the British elite. The print’s enduring appeal lies in this subtle yet effective subversion of social norms through visual comedy.