LOUIS GABRIEL EUGÈNE ISABEY | ST. HUBERT'S DAY (THE BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS)

The artist's studio (and sold, his sale, Galerie Georges Petit, March 30-31, 1887, lot 2) 

Galerie 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 (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, p. 171, no. 93, illustrated; vol. II, p. 235, no. 1364D, illustrated

William Secord, Dog Painting, The European Breeds, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2000, illustrated p. 321

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 eighth 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. 

St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center protects animals, supports families, and advocates for positive change to create a world where all animals can thrive. They enrich the humanity of their communities by promoting compassion and encouraging people to find joy, comfort, and companionship through the love and appreciation of animals.