Ruiter te paard Possibly 1859

Charles Hunt created this print, titled "Ruiter te paard," intending to depict the glory and spectacle of horse racing. Yet, when we look closely, we might ask, whose promise is this land, really? The image captures a victorious jockey atop a gleaming thoroughbred. The detailed rendering speaks to the cultural importance of equestrian sports in British society, reflecting values of wealth and leisure. But, it is impossible to separate this imagery from its historical context: the vast colonial project and the exploitation of both human and animal resources. Who really benefits from the wealth and pageantry on display? The costuming, the posture, all contribute to the narrative of dominance. But dominance over whom? What stories remain untold in this carefully constructed image of success? While the artist likely aimed to celebrate British sporting culture, it also unwittingly reveals deeper questions about power, privilege, and the legacy of colonialism.