Victorian Oil Painting "The Death (The Berkeley Hunt)" c.1880 –by Charles Faulkner

Victorian Oil Painting: “The Death (The Berkeley Hunt)” c.1880 – Charles Faulkner (This work is number 4 in a set of 4. The other three in the hunting series are available to purchase separately. If you wish to buy all four together, please send a message.) Subject & Medium Executed in oil on board, this painting captures the climactic moment of “The Death”—the traditional concluding act of an English foxhunt. The scene is associated with The Berkeley Hunt, one of Britain’s oldest and most renowned hunts, rooted for centuries in the Gloucestershire landscape. Faulkner’s use of board provides a dense, stable ground that supports crisp, controlled brushwork and sharp articulation of horse, hound, and terrain. Layered greys, umbers, and muted greens create a cohesive atmosphere typical of Victorian sporting art. Composition & Technique Faulkner structures the narrative around a strong diagonal composition that draws the viewer directly into the intensity of the chase’s finale. The horses are angled with anatomical precision, their musculature modelled through tight, overlapping strokes. The hounds move in coordinated clusters, rendered with rhythmic, curving textures. The surrounding landscape, painted with softer atmospheric handling, establishes depth without competing with the central action. Faulkner’s tonal restraint evokes the cool, overcast light of Gloucestershire, reinforcing the authenticity of the setting. About the Artist – Charles Faulkner (Active c.1874–1900) Charles Faulkner specialised in equestrian and hunting subjects, producing works favoured by country-house collectors and sporting patrons. His paintings are known for: • Strong anatomical observation • Clear narrative structure and momentum • Realistic treatment of hounds and horses • A restrained, earthy palette characteristic of 19th-century sporting art Although biographical details are limited, Faulkner’s surviving works show a confident and consistent vision of English rural sport, with signatures matching authenticated examples from the 1870s–1890s. Signature Signed “C. Faulkner,” consistent with verified signature forms known on his other works. Framing Recently reframed in a decorative Larson-Juhl moulding and fitted with AR70 low-reflection, UV-protective glass. This glazing improves clarity, reduces glare, protects against fading, and enhances tonal balance, giving the work a museum-quality presentation. Framed dimensions: 41 cm (W) × 26.5 cm (H) × 4 cm (D) Provenance • Gloucestershire Art & Antiques Dealer • Harriet Wynter, Interior Decorations & Antiques, Brighton • Private Collection • Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD • Exhibited at the Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire (2025) Its well-documented provenance supports both authenticity and long-term collector confidence. Highlights • A rare and atmospheric depiction of The Berkeley Hunt, one of England’s most historic sporting institutions • A quintessential Victorian foxhunting subject, sought after by equestrian and sporting-art collectors • Museum-exhibited, adding cultural and market value • Newly framed with Larson-Juhl moulding and AR70 protective glazing for a premium, gallery-ready finish • Compact and versatile size suitable for studies, libraries, hallways, and curated interior spaces • A vivid combination of movement, tension, and rural character—classic Faulkner storytelling