Alfred de Dreux French, 1810-1860

Collection Georges Vaudoyer
Galerie René Drouin, Paris
Acquired by the father of the present owner in the 1950s; thence by descent

Paris, Fondation Mona Bismarck, Alfred De Dreux, Le cheval, passion d'un dandy parisien, 1997, p. 37, illustrated in the catalogue

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Alfred de Dreux "Chatelaine assise avec les levriers sur la Terasse d'un Chateau en Ecosse" oil on canvas EXAMINATION/ TREATMENT REPORT UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE Structural Condition The canvas is unlined and while there is, almost inevitably on an unlined canvas of this period, an overall craquelure pattern, this is stable and not visually distracting and it is obviously very encouraging to see the canvas in it's unlined, original state. Paint surface The varnish layers would appear to have discoloured and cleaning should be beneficial should this be required. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows a few fine lines and scattered spots of minimal inpainting. Summary The painting therefore appears to be in very good and stable condition with minimal intervention in the past.
"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."

This charming and elegant tableau from de Dreux's English period combines to striking effect his abilities as both portraitist and animal painter.

De Dreux travelled to Britain twice, once in 1844, and again at the outbreak of the 1848 revolution. There, the exiled French King, Louis-Philippe, introduced him to Queen Victoria, paving the way to numerous Court commissions. He painted for the duc d'Aumale in Twickenham, and among his most famous portraits painted in England was that of the young Comte de Paris and duc de Chartres on horseback in Claremont Park.

Even before visiting England, however, de Dreux had felt a close affinity to British painting. During the 1820s, he studied with Léon Coigniet, although his early style was more influenced by the work of George Stubbs, George Morland, John Constable, and Edwin Landseer, exposure to whose work probably came through Géricault and Eugène Lami, who lived in London in the 1820s.

It was in England and Scotland that De Dreux perfected his observation of figures and animals in the landscape, the present work being a fine example. Inspired by the great eighteenth-century portraitists, by the landscapes of Constable and Bonington, and by his contemporaries John Frederick Herring and John Ferneley, de Dreux developed a unique style that gained immediate popularity with patrons and collectors alike.