The High Mettled Racer – In Training, after Alken, 19th century
A late 19th century color photomechanical print after Henry Thomas Alken’s celebrated series The High Mettled Racer. The original aquatints were published in 1821 by S. & J. Fuller, engraved by Thomas Sutherland. The series illustrates the stages of a thoroughbred’s life, following the narrative of the popular ballad of the same name.
This plate, titled In Training (Plate 2), shows the young racehorse exercised under the watch of trainers and gentlemen. Riders on horseback and groups of onlookers in Regency dress create a lively scene, while the landscape recedes into a distant hunt in the background. The print captures the discipline and preparation required in the horse’s early racing career.
Condition: Very good. Mild toning and a few age marks in the margins. Strong colors, well preserved. Blank verso.
Framing tips: Best presented with a cream or ivory mount and a slim gilt or dark wood frame to accentuate the warm colors. Works particularly well as part of a triptych with The Foal and The Post Horse.
Technique: Color photomechanical print Maker: After Henry Thomas Alken (artist), after Thomas Sutherland (engraver), after S. & J. Fuller (publisher) Date: Late 19th century, British
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