Details

Provenance

Studio of the artist; Thence by descent to the present owner. Catalogue note This fine study, which comes from Bouguereau’s studio, most likely dates to the early years of his career, when he was making many copies after the old masters and studies of various subjects. The visible brushstrokes and light impasto are consistent with his youthful style. The sketch is unfinished. Merely hinting at the horse, Bouguereau concentrated his efforts on the cavalryman in armour, who is brought to life by the simple inclination of the head, covered by a helmet, and by the slight movement of the arms. His treatment of the gleaming reflections playing on the metallic surface is masterly. The background is only partially painted, with a red ochre halo surrounding the finished part. The contrast between this warm colour and the cold brightness of the armour adds to the visual appeal of the sketch. Although Bouguereau did not, to our knowledge, further develop this type of subject, he nevertheless took an interest in it. A drawing which bears the studio stamp shows a cavalryman in armour seen from the front (private collection). Additional Notices & Disclaimers The export of this property from France (including to other Member States of the European Union), as well as export from the European Union, may be subject to one or more export or import licenses being granted. Sotheby’s, upon request and for an administrative fee, may apply for a license to export your Lot(s) outside France. L’exportation de ce bien hors de France (y compris vers d’autres pays de l’Union Européenne), ainsi que son exportation hors de l’Union Européenne, peuvent-être subordonnées à l’obtention d’une ou plusieurs autorisation(s) d’exporter ou d’importer. Sotheby’s, sur demande et contre paiement de frais administratifs, peut présenter une demande d’autorisation pour exporter votre(vos) Lot(s) hors de France.

Catalog summary

Lire en français Lire en français William Bouguereau La Rochelle 1825 - 1905 A horseman in armor, seen half-length from behind Oil on charcoal paper laid down on board 72,5 x 57,5 cm ; 28½ by 22⅝ in. Provenance Studio of the artist; Thence by descent to the present owner. Catalogue note This fine study, which comes from Bouguereau’s studio, most likely dates to the early years of his career, when he was making many copies after the old masters and studies of various subjects. The visible brushstrokes and light impasto are consistent with his youthful style. The sketch is unfinished. Merely hinting at the horse, Bouguereau concentrated his efforts on the cavalryman in armour, who is brought to life by the simple inclination of the head, covered by a helmet, and by the slight movement of the arms. His treatment of the gleaming reflections playing on the metallic surface is masterly. The background is only partially painted, with a red ochre halo surrounding the finished part. The contrast between this warm colour and the cold brightness of the armour adds to the visual appeal of the sketch. Although Bouguereau did not, to our knowledge, further develop this type of subject, he nevertheless took an interest in it. A drawing which bears the studio stamp shows a cavalryman in armour seen from the front (private collection). Additional Notices & Disclaimers The export of this property from France (including to other Member States of the European Union), as well as export from the European Union, may be subject to one or more export or import licenses being granted. Sotheby’s, upon request and for an administrative fee, may apply for a license to export your Lot(s) outside France. L’exportation de ce bien hors de France (y compris vers d’autres pays de l’Union Européenne), ainsi que son exportation hors de l’Union Européenne, peuvent-être subordonnées à l’obtention d’une ou plusieurs autorisation(s) d’exporter ou d’importer. Sotheby’s, sur demande et contre paiement de frais administratifs, peut présenter une demande d’autorisation pour exporter votre(vos) Lot(s) hors de France.