Victorian Oil Painting – View Halloo The Berkeley Hunt by Charles Faulkner British, Active 1874–1900 (c.1880)

Victorian oil painting – View Halloo (The Berkeley Hunt), c.1880 by Charles Faulkner (British, active 1874–1900). This painting is number 2 of a set of 4. The other three works in this hunting series are available separately. If you wish to acquire all four together, please feel free to message us. Subject & Medium:- A finely executed oil on board depicting the dramatic “View Halloo” moment within a traditional English foxhunt. Faulkner brings energy to riders, hounds, and the Gloucestershire countryside with characteristic Victorian accuracy, making this a distinguished sporting narrative from the late 19th century. Composition & Technique:- Faulkner builds the composition with dynamic, forward-driving movement: Foreground:- Hounds shown at full stretch, painted with precise anatomical understanding. Middle Ground:- Riders in scarlet coats navigate pasture and winter hedgerows—one mid-jump, another unexpectedly unseated behind thick foliage, adding narrative tension. Background:- A misty Cotswold–Berkeley Vale rendered in soft, muted tonal blending. Technique:- A balanced combination of crisp figure detailing and broader landscape handling creates both clarity and atmospheric depth. The scene possesses strong motion, authentic fieldcraft, and tightly observed equestrian and canine behaviour. About the Hunt Scene:- This work captures the electrifying instant the fox breaks cover: A huntsman raises his whip in the traditional “View Halloo” call. The field responds immediately—hounds accelerate, riders pivot, leap, or rally in pursuit. The fox, small yet pivotal, darts across the left of the composition. Winter trees, rolling pasture, and distant hills firmly anchor the setting within the Berkeley Hunt region of Gloucestershire. A compelling historical snapshot of Victorian sporting life. About the Artist:- Charles Faulkner (fl. 1874–1900) was an accomplished British sporting painter known for: Lively depictions of equine and canine movement Faithful presentation of hunt attire and traditional fieldcraft Atmospheric portrayals of the English countryside Dynamic, story-driven compositions His works remain highly desirable among collectors of Victorian sporting and equestrian art. Signature:- Signed “Faulkner” lower left, consistent with the artist’s known signature style. Frame:- Presented in a newly fitted Rococo-style gilt frame, richly moulded with scrolling and floral decoration, complemented by museum-quality AR70 protective glass. The warm gilt finish enhances the scarlet hunting coats, dark mounts, and earthy rural greens, offering a striking and period-appropriate display. An ideal display size for studies, libraries, country house interiors, sporting rooms, and curated wall arrangements. Provenance:- Gloucestershire Art & Antiques Dealer Harriet Wynter, Interior Decorations & Antiques, Brighton Private Collection:- Curated and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD A strong, well-documented provenance that reinforces long-term collectability. Why You’ll Love It A museum-exhibited Victorian hunt scene of exceptional energy Dynamic narrative featuring fox, hounds, riders, and landscape in full motion A signed example by a respected Victorian sporting artist Rich historical atmosphere rooted in the Berkeley Hunt tradition Beautiful Rococo-style gilt frame, ready for display Excellent investment for collectors of equestrian, countryside, or sporting art Strong decorative impact and period authenticity