Henry Jnr Alken Paintings

Henry Thomas Alken was a British painter and engraver chiefly known for his paintings and illustrations of sporting subjects – particularly hunting, racing, shooting, and coaching scenes. Born on 12 October 1785 in Soho, London, he was part of the Alken family of artists and the son of Samuel Alken, a Danish miniature painter who settled in England.

Alken began his career as a miniature portrait painter, but he found his true calling in the depiction of sporting scenes. His early works included depictions of rural life and sporting events, which reflected the English countryside's culture and the aristocracy's pastimes. He studied under the miniature painter John Thomas Barber Beaumont and exhibited his works at the Royal Academy from an early age.

Throughout his career, Alken produced a large body of work, including drawings, etchings, and watercolors. His style was characterized by its humor, vivid portrayal of movement, and often satirical look at equestrian and country life. He was particularly adept at capturing the energy and chaos of hunting scenes. His works were popular among the gentry and helped to establish Alken as one of the leading sporting artists of his time.

Some of his well-known series of prints include 'The National Sports of Great Britain,' 'Symptoms of being amazed,' 'Symptoms of being amused,' 'Flowers from Nature,' and 'A Touch at the Fine Arts.' He also published several books on art and engraving.

Alken continued to paint and engrave until his death on 7 April 1851. His legacy was carried on by his son, Henry Gordon Alken, who was also a sports painter. Today, Henry Thomas Alken's works are highly collectible and are held in high esteem by collectors of English sporting and equestrian art. His paintings and prints provide a valuable historical record of English country life and sporting pursuits during the early 19th century.