Antique R. H. Palenske “Temptation” Vintage Fox Hunt Drypoint Etching Print in Original Frame

A wonderfully atmospheric vintage sporting work by noted American artist Reinhold H. “R. H.” Palenske (1884–1954), titled Temptation. The composition captures a classic hunt-country scene as mounted riders and a pack of hounds surge across a rustic fence, while a lone rabbit at the lower left provides the wonderfully clever “temptation” referenced in the title.

Palenske was an accomplished American graphic artist particularly known for his drypoint etchings and equestrian, sporting and outdoor subjects. His work is characterized by remarkably fine linework and a strong sense of movement—both beautifully evident in the horses, hounds and landscape depicted here.

The image is titled Temptation at lower left and signed R. H. Palenske within the plate at lower right. A distinct plate impression is visible surrounding the image, consistent with the presentation of an intaglio-style print.

Period examples of Palenske’s work were also published by Brown & Bigelow using the company’s Talio-Crome process, which reproduced his original drypoint compositions and could incorporate an embossed plate impression. Because this example remains in its original frame and matting and has not been examined outside the frame, we are conservatively describing it as a vintage Palenske drypoint etching print rather than making a definitive attribution as a hand-pulled artist’s impression.

Presented in its wonderfully aged original black-painted wood frame and warm period matting, giving the piece exactly the collected, old-hunt-club character we love.

CONDITION
Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. Original frame exhibits scattered rubbing, finish wear and small losses consistent with age. Matting and visible paper show natural toning and patina. A clearly visible plate impression surrounds the image. Artwork has not been removed from or examined outside its original frame or matting.

PROVENANCE
Vintage American sporting artwork presented in its original period frame and matting.

MAKER
Reinhold H. Palenske (American, 1884–1954). Titled Temptation lower left and signed R. H. Palenske in the plate lower right.

MATERIAL
Printed work on paper under glass; painted wood frame; period matting.

STYLING SUGGESTIONS
Made for the collected equestrian interior. Hang beneath an antique brass picture light in a library, tack room or hunt-country entry, or incorporate it into a gallery wall of sporting and equestrian works. The aged paper, warm mat and worn black frame pair beautifully with leather, tartan, silver trophies, dark woods and preserved boxwood.