Thomas Rowlandson

Rosenbach Museum and Library, Philadelphia;
Joseph Widener;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 11 November 1993, lot 50;
bt. by the present owner

The colours remain in excellent condition. The paper has darkened very slightly but this in no way disrupts the balance of the composition. There are several areas of minor pigment losses, however none of these are severe. The sheet has not been laid down.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although entitled The Hunt Dinner there is little food in evidence at this party. The young huntsman at the head of the table proposes a toast by holding aloft a cup with a fox's tail within it.  The assembled company follow his lead and while up-standing they appear to roar with approval. Clearly large amounts of port or wine have already been consumed. Discarded bottles can be seen in the lower left hand corner of the drawing, while the two overturned chairs and the wild enthusiasm of the assembled figures indicate the turn the dinner is likely to take as the evening progresses.

This fine work is the last in the series of five fox-hunting subjects which Rowlandson drew in 1787. The other four subjects are entitled The Meet, The Start, The Run and In at the Death. The series was engraved by Rowlandson himself in 1788.

1. J. Grego, Rowlandson the Caricaturist, London 1880, vol. 1, p. 223