The Race Horse (from The Life of a Racehourse, or The High-Mettled Racer) 1789 - 1812

John Hassell made this print of "The Race Horse," sometime around the turn of the 19th century, using etching and aquatint. This work comes from a series that follows the life of a racehorse, and it provides an insight into the cultural significance of horse racing in England at the time. The image depicts not only the spectacle of the race itself, but also the diverse social classes that came together to witness it. We see wealthy spectators in carriages alongside common folk, all united by their shared interest in the sport. Horse racing in England wasn't just a sport; it was an institution deeply embedded in the social and economic fabric of the country. Aristocrats and landowners bred and raced horses as a symbol of their wealth and status, while the general public enjoyed the thrill of betting and spectating. The print can be read as a commentary on the social structures of its time, capturing the excitement and energy of a society undergoing rapid change. To fully understand this print, we can turn to sources such as contemporary newspapers, sporting magazines, and social histories. Through them, we can reveal the complex meanings embedded in this seemingly simple image.