ALFRED DE DREUX | Before the departure for hunting in an alley

Acquis par la famille de la propriétaire actuelle au XIXe siècle

Marie-Christine Renauld, Alfred de Dreux, Paris, 2008, illustré p. 52, avec un descriptif erroné

original canvas; two long horizontal craquelures at the centre of the painting due to previous contact with the stretcher; one long horizontal craquelure at the top of the painting due to previous contact with the stretcher; thin network of craquelures scattered across the surface; no repainted areas visibles under UV light; very good condition
"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."

Alfred De Dreux est issu d'une famille d'artistes. Son père, architecte, reçoit le Prix de Rome en 1815 et est ami de Théodore Géricault. Sous son influence, de Dreux prend goût de représenter des chevaux, montés ou sauvages. C'est l'essence de son travail passionné. Les chasses à courre sont l'un des thèmes qui l'intéressent particulièrement, prétexte à représenter des chevaux robustes, en pleine nature, montés par d'élégants chasseurs. René Princeteau fit une copie de ce tableau entre 1858 et 1865 (Alfred de Dreux, op. cit. p. 139).