Sir Richard Sutton and The Quorn Hounds Engraving Value Guide

This mid-19th century aquatint engraving captures Sir Richard Sutton, a legendary figure of the prestigious Quorn Hunt, during the height of English fox hunting popularity. These sporting prints were highly coveted by the British gentry and remain essential pieces for collectors of equestrian and traditional country house art.

What affects the value of Sir Richard Sutton and The Quorn Hounds Engraving?

• The physical condition of the paper, specifically the presence of heavy foxing, staining, or sun-fading of the ink.
• The quality and age of the wood frame and glass, as original period framing can significantly enhance the $650 valuation.
• The clarity of the engraving plate marks and the sharpness of the fine lines in the hunting scene.
• Historical provenance or evidence that the print is an early strike from the original mid-1800s plate.

How to Identify Sir Richard Sutton and The Quorn Hounds Engraving?

• Look for the distinct tonal gradations characteristic of the aquatint process used between 1830 and 1850.
• Verify the presence of the artist's name, often Frederick Bromley, and the title 'Sir Richard Sutton and The Quorn Hounds' in the lower margin.
• Examine the paper for age-appropriate foxing or watermarks consistent with 19th-century United Kingdom production.
• Check for the fine detail in the depiction of the Quorn foxhound pack, known for their specific breed characteristics in period prints.

History of Sir Richard Sutton and The Quorn Hounds Engraving

Fox hunting has a rich and controversial history, particularly in England, dating back centuries. This engraving captures a moment of this tradition, likely during the 19th century when such sporting prints were highly popular among the gentry and enthusiasts. Sir Richard Sutton was a prominent figure in the hunting world, known for his involvement with the Quorn Hunt, one of England's most prestigious foxhound packs. Artists like Frederick Bromley specialized in these detailed sporting scenes, creating works that immortalized the grandeur and ritual of the hunt.