Robert Frankland

Sir Robert Frankland-Russell, 7th Baronet (1784-1849), occupies a unique position in early nineteenth-century British art history. Primarily known during his lifetime as a politician and member of the landed gentry, Frankland, who was known simply as Robert Frankland early in his career, left a small but historically vital graphic legacy. Active around 1811, his artistic output focused almost exclusively on capturing the drama and necessity of the high-stakes equestrian world, preserving the customs and challenges of the hunt for posterity.

Frankland’s enduring reputation rests on his seminal series, Indispensable Accomplishments, a suite of six high-quality prints that detail the precise technical movements required for successful fox hunting. These images functioned less as general scenic views and more as instructional action studies. Each plate isolates a specific, challenging maneuver, demanding rigorous control from both rider and horse. The series includes dynamic compositions such as Going Along a Slapping Pace, Charging an Ox-fence, and the difficult maneuver detailed in Swishing at a Rasper. His exacting detail provides an invaluable sociological record of upper-class sporting life in the Regency era.

The strength of Frankland’s draftsmanship lies in his ability to convey momentum and stress through simple, decisive lines. He captures the inherent tension between the necessity of speed and the danger of the obstacles inherent in the pursuit. There is a quiet, subtle humor in noting that a baronet and political figure dedicated his time to meticulously documenting the moments immediately preceding potential catastrophe, such as that depicted in Facing a Brook. These images, unlike many sentimental depictions of the era, emphasize the grit required to maintain one’s seat and status. Because these works are now firmly within the public domain, they allow modern viewers access to this specialized historical perspective.

Though his known body of work is limited, Frankland’s clear focus ensures his continued relevance. Representative impressions, including Going In and Out Clever, are held in major institutional collections, such as the Art Institute of Chicago. These distinctive Robert Frankland prints continue to serve as definitive examples of early 19th-century sporting illustration. They are available today as royalty-free downloadable artwork for study and appreciation.