Severall Wayes of Hunting, Hawking, and Fishing, According to the English Manner

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

**Severall Wayes of Hunting Hawking, and Fishing, to the English Manner** a lively etching by Richard Gaywood, a prolific 17th-century Englishmaker, created in 1671. 169mm high by 227mm wide, work captures the thrill of traditional English pastimes during the Restoration era, a time when King Charles II and the gentry revived rural sports as symbols of leisure and national identity. Gaywood, known for his detailed and humorous depictions of everyday life, likely illustrates multiple vignettes of hunters on horseback, falconers with their birds, and anglers by the river, showcasing the "English manner" of these aristocratic pursuits. Etching, Gaywood's favored medium, allowed for intricate line work and tonal effects through acid-etched copper plates, making fine reproductions accessible beyond elite circles. This technique was revolutionary for disseminating images of country life, blending observation with subtle wit. The print bears a collector's mark (Lugt 2760), hinting at its prized status among connoisseurs. As a window into 17th-century recreation, the artwork reflects social hierarchies and the era's fascination with nature's bounty, inviting us to imagine the rustle of hounds and the cry of hawks echoing across English countryside. A charming piece for any sporting art enthusiast!

About the Artist

Richard Gaywood · 1620–1680

Richard Gaywood (fl. 1650–1680) was an English engraver and printmaker who became the most prolific etcher working for the London print trade during the tumultuous years between the English Civil Wars and the Restoration. A pupil of the renowned Wenceslaus Hollar, Gaywood mastered his teacher's distinctive style while developing a thriving practice creating portraits and book frontispieces for Lon...