{"product_id":"large-quorn-hunt-painting-by-basil-nightingale-tom-firr-on-grey-horse-1895","title":"Large Quorn Hunt Painting by Basil Nightingale, Tom Firr on Grey Horse 1895","description":"\u003ch1 data-end=\"147\" data-start=\"110\" data-section-id=\"1azspn9\"\u003eLarge Sporting Masterpiece Painting\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"211\" data-start=\"149\" data-section-id=\"8ck7lk\"\u003e🎩 “Hare Seeds Gentlemen! Hare Seeds — With The Quorn Hunt”\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"261\" data-start=\"212\" data-section-id=\"1vuhe8k\"\u003eBelieved to Depict Tom Firr Upon a Grey Horse by Basil Nightingale, Signed and Dated 1895\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"473\" data-start=\"308\"\u003eA hunting narrative sporting watercolour capturing the authority, precision, and social theatre of England’s most prestigious hunt at its late Victorian height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"515\" data-start=\"475\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"539\" data-start=\"517\" data-section-id=\"1dcz03a\"\u003e🎨 Subject \u0026amp; Medium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"611\" data-start=\"541\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"611\" data-start=\"541\"\u003eWatercolour, gouache and bodycolour heightened with white on paper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"721\" data-start=\"613\"\u003eInscribed upper right:\u003cbr data-end=\"638\" data-start=\"635\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"677\" data-start=\"638\"\u003e“Hare Seeds Gentleman! Hare seeds!”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"680\" data-start=\"677\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"721\" data-start=\"680\"\u003e(With the Quorn — a sketch from memory)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1106\" data-start=\"723\"\u003eThis finely executed sporting composition depicts the mounted professional huntsman of the Quorn Hunt sounding his horn mid-call while seated upon a powerful grey hunter. The inscription records a traditional cry indicating that the hounds have momentarily taken up the scent of a hare rather than a fox — a subtle but telling interruption within the disciplined order of a fox hunt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1289\" data-start=\"1108\"\u003eExecuted in watercolour enriched with opaque gouache and heightened white, the surface possesses both luminosity and sculptural modelling rarely achieved in sporting works on paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1331\" data-start=\"1291\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1363\" data-start=\"1333\" data-section-id=\"1rdd8l5\"\u003e🖌️ Composition \u0026amp; Technique\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1562\" data-start=\"1365\"\u003eThe composition is architecturally balanced. The rider occupies the exact visual centre — a deliberate assertion of hierarchy consistent with the huntsman’s professional authority within the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1742\" data-start=\"1564\"\u003eThe grey hunter advances in collected movement, foreleg lifted, weight distributed with anatomical credibility. Nightingale demonstrates a deep understanding of equine structure:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1894\" data-start=\"1744\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1778\" data-start=\"1744\" data-section-id=\"17qzz4v\"\u003ePowerful shoulder articulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1818\" data-start=\"1779\" data-section-id=\"uebkaj\"\u003eSubstantial depth through the girth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1859\" data-start=\"1819\" data-section-id=\"iwpxx0\"\u003eClean cannons and well-defined hocks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1894\" data-start=\"1860\" data-section-id=\"1qmem6m\"\u003eControlled flexion at the poll\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2194\" data-start=\"1896\"\u003eThe restrained ochre ground functions as a tonal stage, allowing the saturated scarlet coat to command immediate attention. Heightened white bodycolour along the horse’s musculature and the huntsman’s breeches creates dimensional relief, suggesting light falling across open Leicestershire pasture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2390\" data-start=\"2196\"\u003eThe brush handling alternates between fine linear precision in the tack and bridle work and broader, confident strokes within the ground plane — reinforcing movement without sacrificing clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2497\" data-start=\"2392\"\u003eAt nearly one metre wide in its current presentation, the work possesses commanding decorative authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2539\" data-start=\"2499\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2562\" data-start=\"2541\" data-section-id=\"7mayyy\"\u003e🐎 About the Rider\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2747\" data-start=\"2564\"\u003eThe figure is possibly believed to represent \u003cstrong data-end=\"2642\" data-start=\"2609\"\u003eTom (Thomas) Firr (1847–1910)\u003c\/strong\u003e, professional huntsman to the Quorn and one of the most celebrated hunting figures of the Victorian era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2779\" data-start=\"2749\"\u003eFirr’s reputation rested upon:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2912\" data-start=\"2781\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2814\" data-start=\"2781\" data-section-id=\"wcv4hj\"\u003eExceptional command of hounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2874\" data-start=\"2815\" data-section-id=\"7rpvr0\"\u003eTechnical horsemanship across demanding pasture country\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2912\" data-start=\"2875\" data-section-id=\"r52hq2\"\u003eCalm, disciplined field authority\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3031\" data-start=\"2914\"\u003eGreys were favoured in Leicestershire for visibility across rolling pasture divided by high hedges and timber fences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3171\" data-start=\"3033\"\u003eThe raised horn, erect posture, and centred dominance are iconographic signals of the professional huntsman rather than a gentleman rider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3171\" data-start=\"3033\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo documentary evidence confirming the identification accompanies the painting and the association should therefore be regarded as a traditional attribution. The identification of the sitter is offered as a non-guaranteed professional opinion based upon evidence available and should not be regarded as definitive statement of fact. Nevertheless, the connection adds considerable cultural and historical interest to the work\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3213\" data-start=\"3173\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3244\" data-start=\"3215\" data-section-id=\"1yoda3r\"\u003e📜 Historical Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3519\" data-start=\"3246\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"3264\" data-start=\"3250\"\u003eQuorn Hunt\u003c\/strong\u003e, founded in 1696 and based in Leicestershire, was widely regarded as the pinnacle of English fox hunting. By 1895 — the date of this work — the hunt was under the Mastership of the \u003cstrong data-end=\"3469\" data-start=\"3446\"\u003e6th Duke of Rutland\u003c\/strong\u003e, a period often considered one of its great eras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3674\" data-start=\"3521\"\u003eLeicestershire pasture country served as the proving ground of aristocracy, cavalry officers, and sporting elites. Hunting in this context functioned as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3789\" data-start=\"3676\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3715\" data-start=\"3676\" data-section-id=\"12pa59l\"\u003eA demonstration of social hierarchy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3755\" data-start=\"3716\" data-section-id=\"1f006bu\"\u003eA test of horsemanship and breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3789\" data-start=\"3756\" data-section-id=\"k3ksd\"\u003eA stage of disciplined ritual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4063\" data-start=\"3791\"\u003eThe phrase \u003cstrong data-end=\"3829\" data-start=\"3802\"\u003e“Hare Seeds Gentlemen!”\u003c\/strong\u003e captures a fleeting but authentic disruption — hounds diverting to hare scent. The note \u003cstrong data-end=\"3944\" data-start=\"3918\"\u003e“a sketch from memory”\u003c\/strong\u003e implies first-hand observation, elevating the painting from decorative sporting study to a recorded sporting incident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4227\" data-start=\"4065\"\u003eWorks that document named hunts, identifiable huntsmen, and precise field moments occupy a particularly desirable position within British sporting art collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4269\" data-start=\"4229\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"4294\" data-start=\"4271\" data-section-id=\"1a95o4w\"\u003e🏛️ About the Artist\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4477\" data-start=\"4296\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4317\" data-start=\"4296\"\u003eBasil Nightingale\u003c\/strong\u003e was a British painter and illustrator active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, specialising in equestrian, military, and sporting subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4511\" data-start=\"4479\"\u003eProfessional highlights include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"4664\" data-start=\"4513\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4547\" data-start=\"4513\" data-section-id=\"occird\"\u003eContributions to \u003cem data-end=\"4545\" data-start=\"4532\"\u003eThe Graphic\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4598\" data-start=\"4548\" data-section-id=\"17tszvp\"\u003eContributions to \u003cem data-end=\"4596\" data-start=\"4567\"\u003eThe Illustrated London News\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4664\" data-start=\"4599\" data-section-id=\"1jmcjuu\"\u003eExhibition at London institutions including the Royal Academy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4809\" data-start=\"4666\"\u003eHis work reflects the visual language of late Victorian sporting culture — structured hierarchy, disciplined posture, and anatomical precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4941\" data-start=\"4811\"\u003eNightingale’s handling of horses is especially respected among collectors for its structural accuracy and compositional restraint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5115\" data-start=\"4943\"\u003eHe developed a consistent following among collectors of British sporting and equestrian art, particularly works associated with named hunts and documented sporting figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5157\" data-start=\"5117\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"5171\" data-start=\"5159\" data-section-id=\"3bobdh\"\u003e✍️ Signed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5232\" data-start=\"5173\"\u003eSigned and dated lower right:\u003cbr data-end=\"5205\" data-start=\"5202\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5232\" data-start=\"5205\"\u003eBasil Nightingale, 1895\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5331\" data-start=\"5234\"\u003eThe clear signature and firm date anchor the work squarely within Tom Firr’s tenure at the Quorn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5373\" data-start=\"5333\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"5388\" data-start=\"5375\" data-section-id=\"1rcp9bm\"\u003e🖼️ Framed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5458\" data-start=\"5390\"\u003eRecently professionally reframed in a \u003cstrong data-end=\"5457\" data-start=\"5428\"\u003eLarson-Juhl gilt moulding\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5574\" data-start=\"5460\"\u003eIvory white mount with refined gold slip and \u003cstrong data-end=\"5553\" data-start=\"5505\"\u003eArtglass AR70 anti-reflective museum glazing\u003c\/strong\u003e (70% UV protection).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5830\" data-start=\"5576\"\u003eThe presentation is museum-standard and investment appropriate. The AR70 glazing dramatically reduces reflection while preserving tonal clarity — allowing the scarlet and grey modelling to read with exceptional crispness under varied lighting conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5872\" data-start=\"5832\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"5884\" data-start=\"5874\" data-section-id=\"d5k9de\"\u003e📏 Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5979\" data-start=\"5886\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5896\" data-start=\"5886\"\u003eSheet:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 47 cm x 66 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"5927\" data-start=\"5924\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5938\" data-start=\"5927\"\u003eFramed:\u003c\/strong\u003e 99 cm Wide x 80.5 cm High x 4.5 cm Depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6114\" data-start=\"5981\"\u003eThe near-metre width provides significant wall impact — ideal for a library, study, equestrian estate, or formal sporting collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6156\" data-start=\"6116\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"6174\" data-start=\"6158\" data-section-id=\"1wk5iz\"\u003e📚 Provenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"6441\" data-start=\"6176\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6214\" data-start=\"6176\" data-section-id=\"12ehunp\"\u003ePrivate Collection, United Kingdom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6299\" data-start=\"6215\" data-section-id=\"13gh2je\"\u003eMellors \u0026amp; Kirk, Nottingham — Fine Art, Antiques \u0026amp; Collectors Sale, December 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6345\" data-start=\"6300\" data-section-id=\"1tnsgfd\"\u003eEastern Shire Antiques Dealers Collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6393\" data-start=\"6346\" data-section-id=\"1q94nn\"\u003eCurated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6441\" data-start=\"6394\" data-section-id=\"xmewub\"\u003ePrivately Loaned \u0026amp;  Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6483\" data-start=\"6443\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"6505\" data-start=\"6485\" data-section-id=\"ji5ilb\"\u003e💼 Collecting Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6631\" data-start=\"6507\"\u003eQuorn-related works retain enduring appeal among collectors of British hunting art in the United States and internationally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6680\" data-start=\"6633\"\u003eParticularly desirable attributes present here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"6893\" data-start=\"6682\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6716\" data-start=\"6682\" data-section-id=\"sqymhu\"\u003eNamed hunt of highest prestige\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6764\" data-start=\"6717\" data-section-id=\"y7n1rj\"\u003eBelieved depiction of a documented huntsman\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6802\" data-start=\"6765\" data-section-id=\"tjgdri\"\u003eFirm 1895 date within peak tenure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6828\" data-start=\"6803\" data-section-id=\"p4nuy0\"\u003eNarrative inscription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6855\" data-start=\"6829\" data-section-id=\"1qyb7ct\"\u003eLarge decorative scale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6893\" data-start=\"6856\" data-section-id=\"h4ysz\"\u003eMuseum-grade conservation framing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6987\" data-start=\"6947\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"7013\" data-start=\"6989\" data-section-id=\"voijf7\"\u003e💚 Why You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"7471\" data-start=\"7015\"\u003e✔ Iconic association with the most prestigious hunt in England\u003cbr data-end=\"7080\" data-start=\"7077\"\u003e✔ Believed portrayal of the legendary Tom Firr\u003cbr data-end=\"7129\" data-start=\"7126\"\u003e✔ Narrative inscription capturing an original hunting cry\u003cbr data-end=\"7189\" data-start=\"7186\"\u003e✔ Signed and firmly dated 1895\u003cbr data-end=\"7222\" data-start=\"7219\"\u003e✔ Superb anatomical rendering of a Leicestershire grey hunter\u003cbr data-end=\"7286\" data-start=\"7283\"\u003e✔ Museum-standard AR70 glazing and professional conservation framing\u003cbr data-end=\"7357\" data-start=\"7354\"\u003e✔ Exceptional near-metre width for dramatic display\u003cbr data-end=\"7411\" data-start=\"7408\"\u003e✔ Strong transatlantic appeal for U.S. sporting collectors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"7513\" data-start=\"7473\"\u003e────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"7537\" data-start=\"7515\" data-section-id=\"1641cjs\"\u003e🔍 Condition Report\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"7765\" data-start=\"7539\"\u003eThe sheet presents in strong, stable condition. Pigments remain vibrant with excellent retention of the scarlet coat and subtle grey modelling. A horizontal handling crease line runs across the top and has flattened over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"7968\" data-start=\"7767\"\u003eThe work has been professionally reframed using conservation materials. Mount, backing, and glazing are recent and clean. The frame shows minimal signs of handling consistent with careful installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"8049\" data-start=\"7970\"\u003eFull detailed condition report available upon request for qualified collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"057469c9-0034-4c0d-915e-bc309e104c2c\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1-thinking\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"cde53e37-bf08-4d06-961b-09bec3cdfbee\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"thread-bottom-container\" class=\"group\/thread-bottom-container relative isolate z-10 w-full basis-auto has-data-has-thread-error:pt-2 has-data-has-thread-error:[box-shadow:var(--sharp-edge-bottom-shadow)] md:border-transparent md:pt-0 dark:border-white\/20 md:dark:border-transparent content-fade single-line flex flex-col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-token-text-secondary relative mt-auto flex min-h-8 w-full items-center justify-center p-2 text-center text-xs md:px-[60px]\"\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5336\" data-end=\"5339\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3609\" data-end=\"3622\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3732\"\u003eWorldwide Shipping Available — Professionally packaged and fully insured for secure international delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3734\" data-end=\"3864\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3734\" data-end=\"3862\"\u003eAvailable exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD — Inquire now to secure this piece.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\u003chr data-end=\"5560\" data-start=\"5557\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56981720072570,"sku":"CAC-SK-0469-A","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/efde.jpg?v=1781618346","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/pl-pl\/products\/large-quorn-hunt-painting-by-basil-nightingale-tom-firr-on-grey-horse-1895","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}