Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

Victorian Sporting Oil Painting c.1880 – Full Cry (The Berkeley Hunt)
By Charles Faulkner (British, active c.1874–1900)
(This work is number 3 of 4 in Faulkner’s Berkeley Hunt series. The other three paintings are available to purchase separately. If you wish to acquire all four together, please contact us.)
Subject & Medium
Full Cry (The Berkeley Hunt) is a finely detailed oil on board capturing the most exhilarating moment of the traditional English foxhunt. Faulkner’s medium-sized boards are known for their clarity, precision, and narrative richness. Here, the smooth board surface allows for controlled, intricate figure work while still enabling atmospheric reach across the landscape. The painting blends documentary realism with the romanticism characteristic of Victorian sporting art.
Composition & Technique
This composition demonstrates Faulkner’s command of movement, rhythm, and dynamic spatial storytelling.
Dynamic Foreground
A leading hound charges forward, tail raised and body fully extended, setting an urgent pace.
Three central huntsmen gallop in synchronised motion on bay, chestnut, and dark brown horses, each rendered with convincing musculature and anatomical accuracy.
The riders are individually characterised through posture, rein tension, and meticulous detail in attire, from top hats to scarlet coats.
Midground & Structural Drama
At the right, a huntsman and mount take a wooden gate in mid-leap—a classic motif of Victorian hunting art—captured with taut energy.
A bare winter tree stands starkly against the sky, anchoring the composition and dividing the sweeping lateral movement.
Atmospheric Distance
In the far distance, a pale cluster of riders and hounds forms a softened mass described with lighter, abbreviated brushstrokes to convey depth and aerial perspective.
The rolling Berkeley Vale fields are painted with long, sweeping gestures, echoing the relentless motion of the hunt.
Painterly Method
Fine, controlled touches sharpen bridles, collars, and hound features.
Broader scumbled passages in the sky and ground integrate the figures naturally into their environment.
A coherent palette of cool greys, winter greens, and warm hunting reds produces a balanced and evocative Victorian countryside scene.
This is a painting crafted not only to depict movement—but to embody it.
About the Hunt Scene
This work depicts Full Cry, the pinnacle of the chase when riders and hounds commit fully to pursuing the fox.
Historical Context
Set within the Berkeley Vale of Gloucestershire, the scene draws from the historic Berkeley Hunt, founded in the 12th century by the Berkeley family. As one of England’s oldest active hunts, it carries deep cultural and sporting heritage.
Narrative Depth
The tight formation of hounds indicates close pursuit, their body language telegraphing urgency.
Riders clear fences, traverse rough fields, and accelerate across undulating ground, demonstrating the athleticism of horse and rider.
Faulkner records Victorian hunting culture as both sport and social institution—discipline, camaraderie, tradition, and excitement.
Every element works in unison to present an authentic and historically grounded sporting drama.
About the Artist
Charles Faulkner (fl. 1874–1900) specialised in intimate, sharply observed sporting scenes. Although little-documented biographically, his artworks carry distinctive qualities:
Highly refined equestrian draftsmanship
Expressive, accurately observed hound movement
Atmospheric landscapes unified by subtle tonal modulation
Narrative sequencing across multiple canvases, often depicting the full arc of a hunt (Meet → View Halloo → Full Cry → Death)
His works are actively sought by collectors of British sporting and equestrian art.
Signature
Signed “C. Faulkner” lower right, consistent with authenticated examples.
Frame
Presented in a recently fitted decorative Rococo-style gilt frame featuring scrolling motifs and floral detailing.
Fitted with AR70 museum-quality low-reflection protective glass, offering:
Enhanced clarity
Reduced glare
UV protection
Conservation-grade preservation
The warm gilt finish harmonises beautifully with the scarlet hunting coats, rich equine tones, and natural winter greens, delivering a distinguished and period-correct display.
Dimensions
Framed: 41 cm (W) × 26.5 cm (H) × 4 cm (D)
A refined size ideal for country house interiors, sporting libraries, collectors’ galleries, and curated Victorian art arrangements.
Provenance
Gloucestershire Art & Antiques Dealer
Harriet Wynter, Interior Decorations & Antiques, Brighton
Private Collection
Exhibited at the Lord Hill Museum
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why You’ll Love It
Powerful “Full Cry” depiction at the height of the chase
A signed work by noted Victorian sporting artist Charles Faulkner
Newly fitted Rococo-style gilt frame with museum-grade AR70 glass
Rich narrative composition brimming with motion and atmosphere
Historic connection to the legendary Berkeley Hunt
Strong decorative presence with excellent collecting appeal
A key piece in the four-part Berkeley Hunt cycle
Condition Report
Structurally stable board
Fine, even craquelure appropriate to age
Minor paint losses in the sky area
Light abrasions near frame edges
Surface soiling and aged varnish typical of Victorian oils
Overall well-preserved, cohesive, and display-ready. Optional conservation cleaning could further lift brightness and tonal clarity.
Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for secure global delivery.
Click “Buy It Now” to acquire this exceptional Victorian sporting painting before it is gone.
We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.

Registered Office Address

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775


Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.