The Beauties and Defects in the Figure of the Horse

Delineated in a Series of Coloured Plates

by H. Alken

Published in London by S. and J. Fuller at the Temple of Fancy, 34 Rathbone Place

Heads - Reproduction
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A4: 210mm x 297mm
(8¹/₄ x 11¹¹/₁₆ in)

Figure 1 - The head here introduced, in its character, very nearly reaches the perfection of good temper, spirit, and beauty: it ought progressively to diminish in weight and size as it approaches the nose. If pressed by the thumb, the cheek bones should appear to be merely covered with skin, and the jaw underneath should be hollow, with the skin loose. By comparing these remarks with the figure, and contrasting its form with the other subjects in this Plate, the reader will possess himself of a perfect knowledge of these requisites in the choice or judgement of an animal.

Figure 2 - Represents a head, not inferior, perhaps, to the former in temper, but wholly deficient in spirit and in beauty. The head is heavy, and badly set onto the neck: the jaw-bone and gullet forming almost an angle: the nose is encumbered with a great deal of what is technically called leather. However perfect this animal may be in all his other points, he will prove heavy and sluggish, and always carry his head most awkwardly and unpleasantly.

Figure 3 - Is the front view of a head well proportioned, and marked with an expression that bids fair for good temper and spirit: narrow at the setting of the ears, which, when the look of the animal is marked with particular anxiety, should be brought nearly together at the points, extending in bone towards the eyes, which ought to look sideways rather than straight forward. Let the reader compare the decrease down the nose with Figure 4.

Figure 4 - Shews the front view of a head, heavy in spirit and disposition: broad at the point or crown of the head: the increase on the eye-brow is composed of flesh and skin; the direction of the eyes, looking forward, and thence downwards to the nose, displays but little deviation in substance. The distinction will be easily perceived by a reference to figure 3.

The picture above is an illustrated plate from the 1816 publication, the inside title page of which is reproduced here along with the introduction to the book

"By a detailed series of graphic and descriptive illustrations, it is the intention of the Author of this Work to show the good and bad points in that most useful and noble animal the Horse. He has adopted the mode of detaching various parts of the subject, because, by comparison of the distinct appearances, the general impression upon the memory of the reader is much likely to be much stronger than could result from the study of any treatise of a less abstracted nature; to understand which, a knowledge of anatomy, or a constant reference to some scientific work is indispensable.

This Publication is also intended as a Book of Lessons for such young Artists as are inclined to pursue the study of the Horse in all the different points of his figure and action.

There is no animal whose countenance combines such correct and powerful expressions of character. The physiognomy of the Horse, therefore, illustrating the different passions to which he is subject, as well as the natural bias of his temper and disposition, is an important branch of study to gentleman of the turf, and to young purchasers; for it is generally considered, that to timid riders and drivers, the temper of the beast is of more consequence than any bodily blemish.

In this point of view, therefore, the Author flatters himself that his Work will be found useful; and as his remarks are the result of the most attentive observation during many years, entirely devoted to the pleasures of the field, he trusts that the general principles which he has laid down, as well with respect to power, strength, and the various points of action as to the physiognomical character and figure of the horse, will be found fairly elucidated in the following series."