HRH The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester KG KT KP (1900-1974) Barnwell Manor, Northamptonshire
🔜(sale: Christie's, London, January 25-26, 2006, lot 248, illust♑rated)

'CLEARING THE BANK' STRUCTURE The board is sound and flat with no sign of cracking. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good, clean condition. There are no signs of craquelure. The painting is ready to hang. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals a few tiny flecks of infilling to the sky and retouching to frame abrasions on the left and right border. FRAME The pictures are held in matching plaster gilt frames in fair condition. 'CROSSING THE ROAD' STRUCTURE The board is sound and flat with no sign of cracking. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good, clean condition. There are no signs of craquelure. The painting is ready to hang. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals a few spots of infilling in the sky, a line of retouching above the horizon infront of the rear most huntsman, also retouching to frame abrasions in the upper left and upper right borders. FRAME The frames are held in matching plaster gilt frames in fair condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This pair of immaculately finished paintings captures the very essence and excitement of a day's huntin💃g for those in the field. Dalby portrays with intricate finesse the refinement and elegance of these young gentlemen and their steeds.

Dalby was first recorded working as a painter at 38 Stonegate, York.  His father David Dalby (1794-1836) was a painter of sporting subjects as were his two brothers Thomas and Joshua.  The main hunts around York at this 📖time such as the Middleton, the York and Ainsty and the Badsworth provided an ample supply of patrons for such subjects.

Whether the setting of these paintings is the Yorkshire dales and surrounding farmland or not, there is fine weather and a group of lik꧂e-minded acquaintances all share in the exhilarating moment of when a horse clears a fence at full speed.