Foxhunting in Hilly Country 

George Morland painted 'Foxhunting in Hilly Country' during a period of significant social stratification in England. Foxhunting was not merely a sport; it was a display of wealth and power, deeply entwined with the landed gentry's identity. The riders, adorned in scarlet coats, become symbols of dominance against the backdrop of a landscape they claim ownership over. The painting subtly touches on class dynamics, hinting at the labor and land required to sustain such leisure. "A painter," Morland once said, "should live in the world but not be of it." This work can be viewed as both a celebration and a critique of the social hierarchy of his time. Morland's intimate portrayal of the hunt also draws us into the thrill, and camaraderie, reflecting a complex interplay between personal enjoyment and social awareness.