| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | Haines & Son |
| Published | London, published 13 March, 1797, by Haines & Son, No. 19, Rolls Building, Fetter Lane. |
| Dimensions | Image 250 x 349 mm Plate 251 x 351 mm Sheet 264 x 361 mm |
| Notes |
A father and son hunt snipe in a wintry landscape. The young boy stands looking somewhat cold and dejected behind his father. Although snipe exist, and snipe shooting is a real pursuit, the term 'snipe hunt' is most commonly used to describe an impossible task, a specific type of 'wild-goose chase', where a person embarks on an impossible search. Perhaps the artist knew this double meaning, and meant to hint at the failure of the pair's hunt. This hunting scene follows the tradition of the British sporting artist James Seymour, by presenting a small format sporting picture in a bold decisive style. The artist and engraver are not recorded on the plate, which was typical of works published at the period by Haines & Son. Haines & Son (c. fl. 1795-1809) were print-publishers largely specialising in cheap moralising mezzotints. They catered to the decorative print market, and often republished earlier plates, which they acquired from other publishers, such as Carington Bowles and Robert Sayer. Condition: Slight discolouration and tearing in margins, not affecting image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £200.00 |
| Stock ID | 41932 |