Jean Dunand (1887 - 1942)

coloured lacquer and gold leaf, the figures in high relief and the gold background incised with circular cloud motifs

Christie's New York, 5 March 1994, lot 464

Félix Marcilhac, Jean Dunand: His Life and Works, London 1991, pp. 143-148, 316, cat. no 1088 (for a closely related example illustrated, and for a contemporary photograph of the first-class salon of the Normandie)
Décors de Paquebots, exhibition catalogue, Nantes, 1998, p. 39

An impressive piece and a rare example of this size. Minor old marks and scratches in places. Area of restoration to the top left of the panel to refinish the slightly faded area which can be seen in the printed image. Small spot of restoration above the head of the gold horse. Areas of chipping and loss to the gilding to the edges, particularly along the base. A few cracks to the surface in places, not apparent in the illustration, such as running vertically through the figures to the the base, and through the back of the white horse to the right side. Other areas of losses to the lower edge under the front and rear leghs of the lower black horse, as can be partially seen in the illustration. The overall impact of the piece is very striking and further images are avaialble upon request.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present lot is a smaller variant of the panel originally commissioned from Dunand for the ocean liner Normandie.
The Normandie started its maiden voyage to New York from Saint-Lazare in 1935. At that point it was the largest liner ever built and its luxuriously decorated interior became feted as the epitome of Art Deco design.  
Jean Dunand and his team of architects were in charge of the decoration of the smoking room and of a part of the first-class Grand Salon of the boat. The overall subject for the smoking room was 'Man's Games and Pleasures' and besides the present panel, the decoration included further three panels of 'Fishing', 'Sports' and 'Grape Harvesting and Dancing'. The original 'Conquete du Cheval', decorated over several lacquered panels,  was six metres high.
Further variants were made, many of which were of a much smaller scale at 66cm. by 60cm.