This late 19th-century hand-coloured engraving by British artist Edwin Henry Hunt (1840-1925) depicts the racing greyhound Princess Dagmar.
Victorians relished the exhilaration of greyhound racing and flocked to numerous events. Notable winners were lauded by the public and printsellers seized an opportunity.
Published in 1881 by George Rees of Covent Garden, this charming piece celebrates ‘Princess Dagmar’, a popular hound of her day. She’d won ‘The Waterloo Cup’ in scintillating fashion, as a reporter for the Gloucester Citizen described.
“Princess Dagmar beat Bishop, and won the cup.
Princess Dagmar beat Bishop. When Princess Dagmar and Bishop were placed in the slips for the final course of the Waterloo Cup excitement was at its height, the partisans of either being equally confident as to the result. For monetary favouritism, however, Princess Dagmar had the call at 5 to 4.
Without any delay they were slipped to a good hare, Princess Dagmar quickly forging ahead and in a long slip led nearly three lengths, and after taking the first turn kept her place, and going with great fire she wrenched one of the best and most decisive victories imaginable. The hoisting of the white flag announcing the victory of the South County representative was received with loud and prolonged cheering.”
Framed and glazed.
Medium: Hand-coloured engraving with aquatint and hand colouring.
Overall size: 28” x 24” / 71cm x 61cm
Year of creation: 1881
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Minor foxing. Frame with some light wear.
Hailing from London, England, Edwin Henry Hunt (1840-1925) was an accomplished engraver, predominantly known for racing subjects. He was trained by his father Charles Hunt I (1803-1877).
Learn more about Edwin Henry Hunt in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
