485. AFTER HENRY THOMAS ALKEN (1785-1851). THE FIRST STEEPLE-CHACE ON RECORD [sic] (Siltzer 63).

The set of four, aquatints, part printed in colour and finished by hand, by J. Harris, published by R. Ackermann, 1839
Each 26.3 x 36.5cm. (4)

* This is arguably the most popular set of sporting prints ever made, though principally found in the much more commonplace edition issued by Ben Brooks. The rumbustious events allegedly occurred on a winter's evening in December 1803. The subjects depict a cavalry regiment near Ipswich, racing each other uproariously across Suffolk fields by the light of the moon. The likelihood of this precise event ever occurring is debatable but the set has become the epitome of high-spirited horsemanship. Note that the five-bar gate in plate 3 has been shattered even though its shadow is intact (this was amended in later editions).