This late 19th-century hand-coloured engraving by British artist Edwin Henry Hunt (1840-1925) depicts the racing greyhound Wild Mint.
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 1883 by George Rees of Covent Garden, this charming piece celebrates ‘Wild Mint’, a popular hound of her day. She’d won ‘The Waterloo Cup’ in scintillating fashion, as a reporter for the Liverpool Weekly Courier described.
“Deciding Course. Wild Mint beat Snowflight. Betting: 4 to 1 on Snowflight, who was leading five lengths when she overshot her hare. This placed Wild Mint, who had had three before the favourite took another, and then they cannoned, and Wild Mint getting away had another, which left her a clever winner. When the white flag was hoisted there was a tremendous outburst of cheering.”
Framed and glazed.
Medium: Hand-coloured engraving with aquatint and hand colouring.
Overall size: 28” x 24” / 71cm x 61cm
Year of creation: 1883
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. 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.
