Heywood Hardy
British, 1843 - 1933The Rivals, 1902
Not on view
Oil on canvas
Dimensions36 x 46 in.
Gift to the Ann K. Walch-Chan Gallery FIA from the Walch family in memory of Bessie & Philip Walch, 2022.5
English painter Heywood Hardy was best known for his hunting and genre scenes, depicting everyday life. After attending the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris he gained a number of wealthy patrons who wanted tranquil imagery to decorate the walls of their homes. From house pets to livestock, Hardy’s depictions of animals were inviting and comforting, which made them appealing subjects for his clientele.
In this painting, a small gathering of figures meet outside a house nestled in a picturesque landscape. Their arrival by horse has drawn the attention of a Jack Russell Terrier. This small dog was bred in the early 19th century for fox hunting and known for its tempered aggressiveness during the hunt. Large horses are often depicted in Hardy’s hunting paintings. The title references a rivalry but leaves the viewer wondering if the competition is between the men, the women, or between the horses and dog.
