Lot 64: William H. Hopkins (British, fl. 1853-1890)

A hunting scene, with horses and hounds in the foreground, and a hunt beyond
signed and dated 'W.H. Hopkins./1885.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
72 x 112 in. (182.9 x 284.5 cm.)
Painted in 1885.

British private collection, Norfolk, since the early 1970's.

For an artist who was evidently capable of very fine wowrk, relatively little is known of Hopkins. Sally Mitchell described him as 'a very pleasing artist. His horses are well observed, natually and attractively painted, his composition is good.' (The Dictionary of British Equestrian Artists, Woodbridge, 1985, p. 272).

Hopkins was from Keynsham, Bath and exhibited in London from 1853 to 1890. He painted landscapes and animals as well as sporting scenes. Amongst his exhibited pictures were five hunting scenes including Her Majesty's Buckhounds, 1876 and The Fitzwilliam Hounds, 1890. He sometimes collaborated with E. Havell on racehorse portraits. Sally Mitchell