The 1st Steeplechase on Record Four Plates FRAMED

John Harris III after Henry Alken - The First Steeplechase on Record Henry Alken 1785-1851 was an English painter and engraver chiefly known as a caricaturist and illustrator of sporting subjects and coaching scenes. His most prolific period of painting and drawing occurred between 1816 and 1831 when he produced many sets of etchings of sporting subjects mostly coloured and sometimes humorous in character. Early in his career, he painted sporting subjects under the name of "Ben Tally-O". Alken explored the comic side of riding and satirized the foibles of aristocrats, much in the tradition of other early 19th century caricaturists. Alken, known as an avid sportsman, is best remembered for his hunting prints, many of which he engraved himself until the late 1830s. He created prints for the leading sporting print sellers such as S. and J. Fuller, Thomas McLean, and Rudolph Ackermann. Original hand coloured Aquatints. 4 plates Published by Ben Brooks at his Eclipse Sporting Gallery 1839. Glazed, black-wood frames, (21” inch x 17” FRAME) Set of 4 plates:'The First Steeple-Chace on Record. Night Riders of Nacton. 1) Ipswich, the Watering-place behind the Barracks. 2) The Large Field near Bile's Corner. 3) The last Field near Nacton Heath. 4) Nacton Church and Village.' These plates were first published by R. Ackerman illustrate a horse race by night. Each of the jockeys is dressed in nightgown and cap. Beautifully atmospheric plates. Rare as a set. Better known as “The Magnificent Steeplechase”. Drawn by H. Alken, engraved by J. Harris and published by Ben Brooks 1839. These originate from a very large estate in Wexford and have been in the family years. (we can convey the house and history to the purchaser) AVAILABLE on behalf of the vendor. (See other ads) NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE, STUDY THE PICS REGARDING CONDITION, DISCOLORING DUE TO AGE. STUDY THE PICS AS THEY FORM PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE, Kind Regards