Louis Gabriel Eugène Isabey

The arist's studio; sale, Galerie Georges Petit, March 30-31, 1887, lot 2
Galeries Georges Petit, Paris (acquired at the above sale)
George I. Seney, New York (and sold, his sale, American Art Association, February 11-13, 1891, lot 307)
T. C. Farrer (acquired at the above sale)
Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge Collection (acquired from Rousuck and sold, Parke-Bernet, New York, May 14, 1976, lot 48)
Acquired at the above sale

Pierre Miquel, Eugène Isabey 1803-1886, La Marine au XIX^e siècle, Maurs-La-Jolie, 1980, vol. I, illustrated p. 171, no. 93; vol. II, p. 235, no. 1364D, illustrated
William Secord, Dog Painting, The European Breeds, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2000, illustrated p. 321

This painting is on a craddled panel. There is a visible hairline crack extending from the extreme top right, and there is minor craquellure in the areas of dark paint. Under UV, inpainting to address craquellure fluoresces throughout, although not in the figures in the lower half of the composition. Inpainting also appears in a vertical line to address a crack extending from the bottom right, and another vertical crack extending from the top at center, and in a spot in the sky, in brushed spots on the steps of the church, and to address frame abrasion.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Multi-figural compositions were very typical of Isabey’s works from the 1870s and his blessing of the hounds on St Hubert’s Day is one of his most appealing subjects from this period.  Saint Hubert’s conversion took place on Good Friday in the 8^th century A.D. when, while hunting he came upon a stag with a Crucifix between its antlers.  Hubertus later became venerated as the patron saint of hunters, and on his November 3 feast day, hounds are blessed during a Mass held in his honor.  This tradition, so vividly depicted by Isabey, is still followed today in hunt clubs across Europe and America.