catalog text
A FINELY EXECUTED EQUESTRIAN PAINTING OF A RIDER WITH TWO HORSES
Continental, circa late 19th to early 20th century, unsigned; oil on canvas laid on panel
Item # 902ZIU02Q
An exquisitely painted Equestrian scene of a rider leading another horse down a dirt path while his dog chases some birds out of the nearby brush. Captured at sunset, the golden hues of the end of the day cast light in a range of pastels across the sky, the underside of the clouds lit with a nearly pink tone as the rider and his horses nearly glow in the setting rays.
Some of this hue is accentuated by the presence of old varnish and will likely brighten considerably after conservation. Note the exceptional detailing of each horse, both anatomically and in terms of spirit. The rider looks into the distance, his face bright and his eyes distant as he seems to be entirely focused on what is likely a very dramatic sunset.
This is a fine work that unravels slowly the longer you look at it. The unsigned canvas was laid down on artist panel at some point, likely when it was framed by the shop labeled verso.
Measurements: 23 3/8" H x 27 5/8" W x 1 5/8" D [frame]; 19 3/8" H x 23 1/2" W [panel approximation without removing frome frame]
Condition Report:
Old surface grime, would benefit greatly from being cleaned. Scratch to upper left corner, craquelure throughout. Contemporary frame with minor wear. Under UV showing spots of touch up in the clouds, light inpainting to craquelure, touch ups to the neck of the brown horse and also in a few flying birds. Not examined out of frame.