19th C. English Fox Hunting Watercolor “A Run Near Ditchling” by Arthur Willett

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Sweeping across the Sussex countryside, this finely rendered antique sporting watercolor captures the excitement and pageantry of an English fox … Read more Sweeping across the Sussex countryside, this finely rendered antique sporting watercolor captures the excitement and pageantry of an English fox hunt. Painted circa 1895 by British artist Arthur Reginald Willett (1868–1951), the panoramic work is titled “A Run Near Ditchling”, and depicts mounted huntsmen and a lively pack of hounds traversing the rolling countryside near the village of Ditchling in Sussex.

Several riders in traditional scarlet hunting coats move across the composition on horseback, accompanied by other members of the field, while the hounds stream across an open field toward the right. Bare-branched trees, hedgerows, rustic fencing, distant farm buildings, and gently rising hills establish the unmistakable character of the English countryside. Willett’s elongated horizontal format enhances the sense of movement as the hunt progresses through the landscape.

Arthur Reginald Willett was a British painter and watercolorist particularly associated with landscapes, country life, and sporting subjects. Born in 1868, he worked during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and became especially known for finely observed watercolor views of the British countryside. His hunting scenes are admired for their animated figures, delicate handling of landscape, and ability to convey the atmosphere of traditional rural pursuits. Willett exhibited during the period recorded on the original gallery label as 1883–1906, and the artist is listed in Benezit Dictionary of Artists, an important international biographical reference for fine artists.

The watercolor demonstrates Willett’s accomplished technique through its combination of precise drawing and fluid washes. Particular attention is given to the individual horses and riders, the running hounds, leafless trees, and distant architecture, while the softly modulated sky and muted palette of greens, ochres, browns, and pale blues lend the scene an atmospheric quality.

The work retains significant provenance on the reverse, including an original Pyms Gallery, London label identifying the artist as Arthur Willett, the title as A Run Near Ditchling, and noting his exhibiting dates of 1883–1906. A separate title plaque on the reverse repeats the title and artist’s name.

Presented behind glass within a giltwood frame and bordered by a cream mat with fine ruled decoration, this handsome English sporting watercolor would make a distinguished addition to a library, study, den, country house, or collection of equestrian and hunting art.

Excellent condition commensurate with age and use.

Dimensions: 24.75” W x 1” D x 14.5” H See less