🏇 Exquisite Victorian Hunting Portrait: James Imms on Mare Libertine with Clandon Harriers by Richard Barrett Davis 

🎨 Subject & Medium

An outstanding mid-19th century oil on canvas showcasing the height of British sporting tradition, this work is titled “The Clandon Harriers: Portrait of James Imms, Huntsman, on his Favourite Mare Libertine.” Created by renowned artist Richard Barrett Davis, it captures the noble huntsman James Imms atop his bay mare Libertine, surrounded by his alert pack of scent hound dogs as they track the scent of their wild hares.

The scene is set in the lush English countryside, with tall trees framing the right, a line of smaller trees rolling back into the horizon, and the majestic Merrow Downs near Clandon in Surrey in visible in the distance. Above, a soft blue sky with drifting white clouds completes this evocative, story-rich composition.

🏞 Composition & Technique

This painting is a superb example of Victorian sporting art, filled with movement, atmosphere, and personality. Davis uses a harmonious, earthy palette — warm chestnut browns and deep blacks bring the horse and hounds to life; soft tans and creams highlight fur and leather; gentle greens sweep across the countryside; and pale blue and white tones infuse the sky with light.

His brushwork combines finely controlled, precise strokes for key figures — capturing every gleam of the horse’s coat, the folds in the huntsman’s attire, the sparkle in a hound’s alert eyes — with more painterly, fluid handling in the trees, fields, and sky, creating a balance between realism and atmosphere.

Davis’s style draws on the British sporting portrait tradition, where not only the likeness but the spirit, status, and emotion of the moment are captured. He brings the viewer directly into the scene, letting you feel the power of the horse, the keen energy of the hounds, and the quiet authority of the huntsman who has mastered both.

✍ Signed

The work is unsigned, as is typical for many pieces of this era and genre, but it is confidently attributed to Richard Barrett Davis.

🧑🎨 About the Artist

Richard Barrett Davis RBA (1782–1854) was a celebrated British animal and sporting painter, appointed animal painter to both William IV and Queen Victoria. Trained under Sir William Beechey and first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1802, Davis gained fame for his equestrian portraits, hunting scenes, and contributions to The Hunter’s Annual and The Sporting Magazine. 

🐕 About the Clandon Harriers & James Imms

The Clandon Harriers, established in 1800 by the Earl of Onslow, were famous for their speed, uniform beauty, and harmonious pack cry. James Imms, the legendary huntsman portrayed here, dedicated his life to these hounds, never missing a meet in over 50 years. His beloved mare Libertine was famed for her strength, stamina, and docility. This portrait not only honors a master of the hunt but preserves the memory of a unique partnership between man, horse, and hounds — an enduring symbol of English sporting heritage.

🖼 Frame Details

Presented in its original gilt wood frame with intricate detailing, this piece comes ready to hang with a secure back thread, offering timeless elegance and authenticity.

📏 Dimensions Framed

• Height: 87 cm

• Width: 107.5 cm

• Depth (thickness): 5.5 cm

A large, striking format that commands attention and instantly transforms a space.

🏛 Provenance

• Featured as an engraving in The Sporting Magazine (1847)

• From a distinguished private hunting collection

• Acquired through a notable high-end London auction

• Offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

✅ Rare and historically important Victorian hunting portrait
✅ By Richard Barrett Davis, official animal painter to British royalty
✅ Rich, lifelike colors and masterful brushwork that radiate quality.
✅ A statement piece perfect for collectors, equestrian lovers, or elegant interiors
✅ Guaranteed to captivate guests and spark conversation wherever displayed

🔍 Condition

• Fine used condition

• Surface shows expected craquelure and light foxing from age

• Canvas has been professionally relined for stability

• Frame shows age-consistent wear, light cracking, chips, and minor touch-ups, adding to its antique character

🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece