Foxhunting: Coming to a Fence William J. Shayer 1862 RE999190

Foxhunting: Coming to a Fence (Full Cry) by William J. Shayer, painted in 1863, masterfully captures the heart-stopping moment of a foxhunt when horse and rider are faced with the challenge of clearing an obstacle—here, a sturdy fence. The painting’s dynamic energy is palpable, pulling the viewer into the tense yet exhilarating split second when hunter and mount are perfectly synchronized. At the forefront of the composition, a dashing rider in a traditional scarlet coat astride a gleaming white horse dominates the scene. The horse, captured mid-leap, is a picture of grace and power. Its front legs are raised, ready to clear the log beneath it, while its muscles are finely rendered, straining under the effort of this daring jump. The rider is poised with utter confidence, leaning slightly forward, fully attuned to his steed's motion. The rider’s expression remains composed, his grip firm yet relaxed, allowing the horse to navigate the obstacle with ease. The scarlet of his coat against the pale horse creates a vivid contrast that immediately draws the eye, a testament to Shayer's attention to the vibrant traditions of foxhunting. Behind him, another rider in scarlet, atop a darker bay horse, follows closely. This figure, set slightly further back and shaded by the sparse, winter-bare tree in the middle ground, adds depth to the scene and evokes a sense of camaraderie in the hunt. The positioning of the second rider hints at the collective momentum of the hunt, with the pack of riders, horses, and hounds all pressing forward in pursuit of their quarry. In the background, the rolling countryside stretches out under a somewhat muted sky, the light filtered through soft clouds. Shayer's use of light and shadow here is subtle, yet it perfectly conveys the overcast, almost misty atmosphere that often accompanies a winter hunt. Distant riders and hounds are barely visible, reduced to red and dark shapes, their forms fading into the distance, reinforcing the sheer scale of the hunt as it unfolds across the landscape. The faded, pastel tones of the sky contrast beautifully with the vibrant reds of the riders’ coats, allowing the figures to stand out while the natural world remains a dominant force. The tree branches, bare and twisted, add a natural frame to the scene, serving both as an obstacle for the riders and as a visual anchor for the composition. The fence, positioned just below the leaping horse, marks a pivotal moment in the narrative—where the physicality of the hunt is challenged, where skill and daring are put to the test. The earth beneath the horses' hooves is depicted with a rough, textured brushwork, enhancing the sense of movement and action. Grass, dirt, and foliage blur together, as though swept up in the motion of the chase. The overall palette of the painting is rich in earth tones, with Shayer expertly capturing the muted greens, browns, and greys of the English countryside in winter. Against this subdued background, the bold scarlet of the riders’ coats injects a sense of life and urgency, symbolic of the thrill of the chase. The white horse, with its glowing, almost ethereal coat, seems to float over the obstacle, its brightness adding a focal point of energy to the painting. Shayer's deft handling of perspective and motion allows the viewer to feel as though they are part of the hunt themselves, witnessing this climactic moment from just behind the rider. The tension, the excitement, and the raw athleticism of both horse and rider are palpable, making this painting not merely a depiction of foxhunting but an immersive experience. It celebrates the tradition, the thrill, and the natural beauty of the English countryside, all while capturing the fleeting moments of action that define the sport. The title, Full Cry, refers to the moment in a hunt when the hounds are closest to their prey, barking furiously in pursuit, a perfect description of the atmosphere in this dynamic and compelling scene. RE999190