Antique Oil Painting View Halloo Berkeley Hunt C1880

Victorian Oil Painting c.1880View Halloo (The Berkeley Hunt)By Charles Faulkner (British, active 1874–1900)(This painting is number 2 in a set of 4. The remaining three works in this hunting series are available separately. If you wish to purchase all four together, please send a message.)Subject & MediumA finely rendered oil on board depicting the pivotal “View Halloo” moment in a traditional English foxhunt. Faulkner enlivens riders, hounds, and the Gloucestershire countryside with atmospheric precision, producing an exemplary late-Victorian sporting narrative. The board support allows for tight draughtsmanship and subtle tonal transitions, essential to the animation of this high-energy scene.Composition & TechniqueFaulkner organises the composition around a dynamic diagonal sweep:Foreground:Hounds painted with accurate anatomical detail, shown in full extension as they break into pursuit.Middle ground:Huntsmen in scarlet coats ride through pasture and hedgerow. One leaps mid-jump over an obstacle, while another is depicted unseated behind foliage—adding tension and immediacy.Background:A mist-covered view of the Cotswold–Berkeley Vale rendered with muted tonal blending that creates depth and atmosphere.Technique:Faulkner combines crisp, controlled figure work with broader landscape passages. The result is both visually clear and richly atmospheric, balancing narrative excitement with painterly sophistication.About the Hunt SceneThe painting captures the electrifying moment the fox breaks cover:• A huntsman raises his whip to give the traditional “View Halloo” alert.• The entire field reacts in unison—hounds surge forward while riders pivot, leap, and accelerate.• The fox darts across the left-hand side, small yet central to the unfolding drama.• Winter trees, rolling fields, and distant hills identify the setting unmistakably as the historic Berkeley Hunt territory in Gloucestershire.A vivid and historically resonant account of Victorian rural sport.About the ArtistCharles Faulkner (fl. 1874–1900) was a respected British sporting painter known for:• Lively and accurate depictions of horses and hounds• Faithful representation of hunt attire and fieldcraft• Atmospheric portrayals of the English countryside• Strong, narrative-driven compositionsHis works are highly prized among collectors of equestrian, countryside, and Victorian sporting art.SignatureSigned “Faulkner” lower left, consistent with his established period signature.FramePresented in a newly fitted Rococo-style gilt frame with moulded scrollwork and floral ornamentation.Fitted with museum-quality AR70 low-reflection protective glass, enhancing clarity, reducing glare, and providing effective UV protection.The warm gilt finish complements the scarlet coats, dark horses, and earthy greens, offering a striking and period-appropriate presentation.Framed Dimensions: 41 cm (W) × 26.5 cm (H) × 4 cm (D)Suitable for libraries, sporting rooms, country houses, and refined interior settings.Provenance• Gloucestershire Art & Antiques Dealer• Harriet Wynter, Interior Decorations & Antiques, Brighton• Private Collection• Curated and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTDA strong and reputable provenance supporting long-term collectability.Why It Stands Out• Museum-exhibited Victorian foxhunting scene• High-energy narrative with riders, hounds, fox, and landscape in full motion• Signed example by a recognised Victorian sporting artist• Rich period atmosphere and historically rooted subject• Display-ready in an elegant Rococo-style gilt frame• Excellent addition to equestrian, countryside, and sporting-art collections• Strong decorative presence with enduring investment appealCondition Report• Stable board support• Fine, even craquelure appropriate to age• Minor paint losses in the sky• Light abrasions along outer frame edges• Aged varnish and surface soiling consistent with Victorian oilsThe painting presents attractively as is; optional conservation cleaning could further enhance clarity and brightness.ShippingWorldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured for safe global delivery.A dynamic and historically significant Victorian sporting painting—ready to enhance any collection.