Aärons staf bloeit 1547 - 1549

This is "Racing Plate 2. A False Start", a print made by Charles Hunt after an original by Henry Alken, likely produced in England in the early 19th century. It depicts a scene of horse racing, a popular spectator sport in British society. Horse racing was closely tied to social class; it was patronized by the aristocracy and gentry, who owned the horses and organized the races. Yet it was also enjoyed by a wide range of social classes as a form of entertainment and gambling. Note the mass of spectators in the background. The print aestheticizes this social hierarchy. It presents an image of order, competition, and national pride. Its visual codes emphasize speed, skill, and elegance, reinforcing ideas about British identity and social order. However, the phrase 'A False Start' hints at the possibility of disruption and the subversion of norms. As historians, we can consult newspapers, sporting records, and social commentaries to deepen our understanding of the cultural meanings embedded in the artwork. We can learn about the complex interplay between art, sport, class, and national identity in 19th-century Britain.