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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

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Item Details

Victorian Oil Painting c.1880 — “The Death (The Berkeley Hunt)”
Charles Faulkner (British, active c.1874–1900)
(This painting is number 4 of 4 in Faulkner’s Berkeley Hunt series. The other three works are available separately. If you wish to purchase the complete set, please contact us.)
Subject & Medium
Executed in oil on board, this work depicts the climactic moment of “The Death”—the traditional conclusion of an English foxhunt. The scene is associated with The Berkeley Hunt, one of Britain’s oldest and most historically significant hunts, with origins stretching back centuries in the Gloucestershire countryside.
Faulkner’s use of board provides a firm, smooth surface ideal for controlled brushwork and crisp articulation. His palette—comprising layered greys, umbers, and muted greens—creates a unified atmosphere characteristic of Victorian sporting imagery and the cool tones of rural Gloucestershire.
Composition & Technique
Faulkner constructs the painting around a strong diagonal movement, guiding the viewer directly into the final tension of the chase. Horses are rendered with meticulous anatomical accuracy, their musculature modelled through short, deliberate strokes. The hounds move in coordinated formation, described through rhythmic, curved textures that convey urgency and unity.
The surrounding landscape is treated with softer, atmospheric handling to establish depth without drawing attention away from the central action. Faulkner’s tonal control and sensitivity to light evoke the overcast conditions typical of the region, grounding the composition in an authentic sense of place.
About the Artist – Charles Faulkner (Active c.1874–1900)
Charles Faulkner specialized in equestrian and hunting subjects, producing works highly valued by collectors of Victorian sporting art. His paintings consistently display:
Strong anatomical understanding
Clear narrative pacing and momentum
Accurate, expressive treatment of hounds and horses
A restrained, earthy colour palette aligned with 19th-century sporting tradition
Though little documentation survives about his personal life, Faulkner’s artistic output is cohesive and recognisable, with “C. Faulkner” signatures appearing across authenticated works of the late 19th century.
Signature
Signed “C. Faulkner” in the lower corner, consistent with verified examples of the artist’s hand.
Frame
Recently reframed in a high-quality Larson-Juhl moulding and fitted with AR70 low-reflection, UV-protective glass. This glazing improves clarity, reduces glare, and protects the painting against light-related deterioration. The overall presentation meets museum-display standards.
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 Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire (2025)
This strong provenance supports both authenticity and long-term collector confidence.
Why This Work Stands Out
Rare and atmospheric depiction of the historic Berkeley Hunt
A classic and highly desirable Victorian foxhunting subject
Museum-exhibited, enhancing both cultural significance and market appeal
Newly framed with premium Larson-Juhl moulding and AR70 glazing
Versatile, elegant size suitable for studies, libraries, hallways, and curated gallery walls
Exemplary of Faulkner’s storytelling: movement, tension, and rural character
Ideal for collectors of equestrian art, Victorian painting, and British sporting heritage
Condition
Overall, the painting is in good condition for its age (c.1880). The surface shows stable Victorian brushwork with Faulkner’s characteristic short, directional strokes across the sky, landscape, and moving figures.
Fine, natural micro-craquelure
Some foxing to the sky area
Very minor areas of paint loss
Even varnish layer with a balanced sheen
Board remains flat, secure, and free from warping
Recently reframed and protected with AR70 low-reflection UV-filtering glass
The work is clean, stable, and ready to hang.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

  • Period: 1880
    • Price: £4,000.00
    • €4,583 Euro
    • $5,401 US Dollar
  • Location: London
    • Dimensions: H: 26.5cm (10.43in)
    • W: 41cm (16.14in)
    • D: 4cm (1.57in)