‘Fox Hunting in theAlps’, by William Ralston (original) (raw)

Fox Hunting in the Alps

William Ralston

Wood engraving by an unknown engraver.

9 x 7 inches

The Graphic (20 April 1901): 560.

A ludicrous image of multiple scenes, rather like a comic-book, in which the artist conflates two genteel pursuits: hunting and mountaineering. Ralston’s satire extends his interest in the absurdities of social rituals, with dogs being swept away in an avalanche and horses and riders careering across the ice: a rich mockery of the pursuit of sensation and the stupidity of the upper classes.

Click on image to enlarge it.

• Beware the avalanche (left corner)
• The fox makes for the summit

Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke.

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