Bidspirit 拍卖 | British Aristocratic Hunting Gathering –

British Aristocratic Hunting Gathering – Carriage, Mounted Party and Hounds – Photograph by John Burton & Sons, Photographers under the Patronage of Queen Victoria and the Prince and Princess of Wales – 19th Century - An interesting Victorian photograph depicting an aristocratic hunting or equestrian gathering, probably dating from the second half of the nineteenth century. In the foreground is an open horse-drawn carriage, with a substantial gathering of mounted gentlemen and attendants behind it. To the right is a conspicuous pack of hunting hounds, accompanied by further members of the party. A large country building in the background completes the distinctly Victorian sporting setting. The photograph is by John Burton & Sons, Photographers & Artists, who operated studios in Leicester, Nottingham, Burton-on-Trent and Melton Mowbray. The reverse bears the firm's elaborate decorative backmark incorporating the Royal Arms and the statement: “PATRONIZED BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES H.R.H. THE PRINCESS OF WALES AND H.H. THE VICEROY OF EGYPT.” The impressive backmark documents the royal patronage claimed by John Burton & Sons and places the photograph firmly within the world of Victorian society and sporting photography. The richly populated composition, incorporating carriage, horses, mounted riders, hunting hounds and spectators, provides an appealing visual record of British aristocratic sporting and social life during the Victorian period.