Lot 141
  • 141

EMILE-JEAN-HORACE VERNET | The military halt

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • D'après Emile-Jean-Horace Vernet
  • The military halt
  • Signed and dated lower left Horace Vernet 1816
  • Oil on canvas
  • 66 x 82 cm ; 25 17/18 by 32 2/7 in.

Provenance

Sale, Londres, November 1st, 1996, lot 104 ;
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Exhibited

Paris, Salon de 1817, n° 773 under the title Une halte (registered under the n° 547 and under the title Une halte militaire)

Literature

C. d'Argé, Biographie de M.H. Vernet in "Le Monde Illustré", January 24, 1863, p.55 ;
L. Lagrange, Horace Vernet in "La Gazette des Beaux-Arts", 1863, p.302 ;
Claudine Renaudeau, Horace Vernet, Chronologie et catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre peint, Thèse, Université de Paris IV, vol. II, p. 642 n°52

Condition

Relined. A number of retouches. Under UV light : Some lacks on the edge, due to rubbing with the frame. A large repaint on the lower right, in the stable and in the hay, on the right of the horse's spine. Some small repaints on the horse on the right. Small repaints scattered on the surface. Some craquelures, a number of which are filled on the belly and on the horse's saddle on the left. Wears are visible, including on the grey horse on the left of the painting. The signature is not fluorescent, but to the naked eye, it seems a little thicker : it is possible it was reinforced. The catalogue's photograph is a little too yellow, especially in the straw ; the painting has softer and more delicate colours.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Born in 1789, Horace Vernet is the last member of a great dynasty of painters that started with Joseph Vernet (1714-1789), his grandfather. His father Carle Vernet (1758-1836) was his teacher. Horace Vernet had a brilliant official career, with major commissions, especially under the reign of Louis-Philippe, who was close to him even before he had risen to power.His main activity was military History painting, a genre in which he excelled. He represented historical as well as more recent battles, Napoleonic campaigns, and contemporary faits d'armes such as the conquest of Algeria.

La Halte is amongst those works inspired by the military world, even if it does not refer to any precise historical action. Here, Vernet depicts a lancers squadron of the premier régiment de Chevau-Légers polonais de la Garde Impériale on the road. One of them strayed from the others to rest.


The regiment, which was created in 1807 and integrated to the Vieille Garde in 1809, always had a special status within the army. It was disbanded in 1815, and Vernet was undoubtedly honouring this famous military corps of the Napoleonic era when he painted this work in 1816.