This preparatory sketch for the large painting of the Quorn Hunt was made in 1823. It shows the rough outline of the finished composition with some of the key figures in the places that they occupy in the final painting. John Ferneley was commissioned by the hunt.
The prominent figure on a chestnut horse, to the left and below the tree is Sir Bellingham Graham, Master of the Quorn Hunt and the winner of the final painting. He is shown riding his favourite mount 'The Baron'.
In the finished painting Ferneley included a portrait of himself in the group at the far right of the painting.
Widely recognised as one of the finest sporting artists of his time, John Ferneley (1782-1860) was born in Thrussington, Leicestershire. Ferneley's natural talent was recognised by the Duke of Rutland who became his patron. Ferneley was commissioned by many of the sporting aristocracy of the day and painted right up until his death in 1860.
