Shooting Flying – 17th Century Yorkshire Hunting Scene Engraving

In this bird hunting scene from Richard Blome’s “Gentleman’s Recreation” entitled “Shooting Flying” two men on horseback are taking aim at a flock of birds.  In the foreground are two hunters on foot with hounds or hunting dogs. In the distance are more hunters on horseback and a manor housse.  There is a coat of arms in lower margin. The print is dedicated to Sir Thomas Fairfax, also know as “Black Tom,” or “The Rider of the White Horse,” an English nobleman, politician, general, and Parliamentary commander-in-chief during the English Civil War.

The engraving is the work of Simon Gribelin for the book “Gentleman’s Recreation” by Richard Blome publishined in England in 1686.  It is signed ‘S. Gribelin sculps’ on the lower left hand side.

The inscription at the bottom reads:  ‘To the Honourable Thomas Fairfax Esq. eldest Son of the Rt Honble. Lord Fairfax of Denton in Yorkshire. This Plate is humbly Dedicated by Richard Blome.’

Dimensions: Height: 29.5 cm  / Width: 18.5 cm

Condition: Very good. Strong imprint.  The slightly uneven outer margin is also evident in the copy of this print which is in the collection of the British Museum.