

As a horse enthusiast, Arthur de Schickler invested great sums of money in order to be able to compete with the most renowned stables, such as that of Rothschild's, Adolphe Abeille's and Count Lagrange's. In 1867, he had a stud farm built in Martinvast where he bred the most successful thoroughbred of the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Amongst the winning horses were Chêne Royal, Fra Angelico and also Le Sancy, Semendria and Dolma Baghtche (see lots 64 and 67). On 29 May 1889, spectators saw the victory of Schickler's two horses. This double success was undoubtedly why baron de Schickler asked Princeteau to paint this spectacular composition : L'Arrivée du Prix du Jockey-Club le 29 mai 1892.