19th Century Chromolithograph, Vanity Fair Spy “Fox Hunter” Caricature of Mordaunt Fenwick-Bisset Titled “The General”

Description

The most important figure in English stag-hunting, Mordaunt Fenwick-Bisset was a Conservative Member of Parliament and famously served as Master … more The most important figure in English stag-hunting, Mordaunt Fenwick-Bisset was a Conservative Member of Parliament and famously served as Master of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds from 1855 to 1881. His efforts saved wild red deer from near extinction. In 1824, the last of “the true staghounds” - those of an ancient native bloodline, had been sold to a German Baron. The absence of the hounds allowed for the deer to be poached by farmers who no longer saw a reason for their preservation. Fenwick-Bisset re-established the bloodhound pack (twice), becoming a heroic figure in the sport. His portrait (alongside his hounds) was painted by Samuel John Carter and was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The Royal Forest of Exmoor is still known for its picturesque ancient woodlands and magnificent herds of red deer.

Vanity Fair was published weekly from 1869 to 1914. The highlight of each week was a caricature of a well-known personage. These caricatures were reproduced by the relatively new process of chromolithography. This is an original 1881 Vanity Fair chromolithograph, not a reproduction. The caricature (03 December 1881) is by cartoonist Leslie Ward. less