Henry Thomas Alken - Full Cry / Fores's Hunting Accomplishments (Set of 3)

Set of 3 Rare 19th-Century English Hunting Prints – Henry Auk – Hand-Colored Aquatint Engravings (1828 & 1850)


Short Description
A beautiful set of three authentic 19th-century English sporting prints after the work of the famous British artist Henry Thomas Alken (1785–1851). The set includes the iconic large print "Full Cry" (engraved by Charles Bentley) and two refined works from the series Fores's Hunting Accomplishments: "Facing a Brook" and "Swishing a Rasper" (engraved by John Harris). All three works are professionally framed in gilded wooden frames with matting.


Description & Origin
Style period: 19th-century English Romanticism / Victorian Sporting Art (Biedermeier / Georgian-Victorian transitional period).
Artist: Henry Thomas Alken (1785–1851), one of the most prominent and sought-after English sports and hunting painters/draughtsmen of the 19th century. Engravers: Charles Bentley (1806–1854) – Master engraver known for his aquatint technique (Full Cry). John Harris (1811–1865) – Famous for his refined engravings for the prestigious publisher Fores (Swishing a Rasper & Facing a Brook). Publishers & Provenance: Full Cry: Published on October 1, 1828, by S. & J. Fuller in their Sporting Gallery, 34 Rathbone Place, London. Fores's Hunting Accomplishments (Plates 3 & 6): Published on November 1, 1850, by Messrs. Fores in their Sporting & Fine Print Repository & Frame Manufactory, 41 Piccadilly, London.


The 19th-century British aristocracy had a great fondness for fox hunting and equestrian sports. Engravings by Henry Alken, refined with the aquatint technique and hand-colored, were sought-after collector's items that the elite displayed in their mansions.


Details of the "Full Cry" Prints
Dimensions (incl. frame): 58 cm (W) × 45 cm (H) Inscription: "H. Alken del.t" | "C. Bentley sculp.t" | "London, Pub.d Oct.r 1. 1828, by S & J Fuller..." Technique: Aquatint engraving, hand-colored.
"Swishing a Rasper" (Fores's Hunting Accomplishments - Pl. 3) Dimensions (incl. frame): 49 cm (W) × 42 cm (H) Inscription: "Drawn by H. Alken" | "Engraved by J. Harris" | "London Published Nov. 1st 1850, by Messrs. Fores..." Technique: Aquatint engraving, hand-colored.
"Facing a Brook" (Fores's Hunting Accomplishments - Pl. 6) Dimensions (incl. frame): 48 cm (W) × 43 cm (H) Inscription: "Drawn by H. Alken" | "Engraved by J. Harris" Technique: Aquatint engraving, hand-colored.


Condition & State
The prints are in authentic, historical condition with beautiful age patinas that contribute to the character of antique paper art: Paper & Color: Slight discoloration/staining of the paper (foxing and age toning), consistent with an age of nearly 170 to 200 years old. The original hand coloring has been well preserved. Full Cry: Shows a small, thin, superficial repaired tear/seam at the bottom near the title "FULL CRY" (see detail photo), just below the image in the margin. Frames: Includes the original classic gold-colored wooden frames. The frames show light signs of use and a patina consistent with the age of the set.


Auction Specifications Number of items: 3 Object: Hand-colored aquatint engravings Artist: Henry Thomas Alken (1785–1851) Country of origin: United Kingdom (London) Dating: 1828 & 1850 Frame included: Yes, classic gold wooden frames with passe-partout.


Packaging & Shipping: Shipped with extreme care, shockproof, and registered/insured.