Samuel Raven (British, 1775-1847) Colonel Thornton Breaking Cover; and The Belvoir hounds both signed with initials 'SR' (lower left) oil on panel 17.5 x 22.7cm, a pair Footnote: Literature: Sally Mitchell, The Dictionary of British Equestrian Artists, 1985, illus. p. 357 (The Belvoir hounds) The composition of 'Colonel Thornton Breaking Cover' is closely based on a painting by Philip Reinagle (1749-1833) which was known from an engraving by John Scott, issued in 1811. Thomas Thornton (1757-1823) of Thornville, near York, had a reputation for being one of the most flamboyant and avid sportsmen of his time. He was equally well-known as a bon viveur and collector, commissioning a number of paintings from the best sporting artists of the day, including Philip Reinagle, Sawrey Gilpin and Henry Bernard Chalon. Thornton was a Lieutenant Colonel in his father's old regiment, the 2nd West York Militia, but resigned in 1795.