William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Studio of the artist;

Thence by descent to the present owner.

This fine study, which comes from Bouguereau’s studio, most likely dates to the early years of his career, when he was making many copies after the old masters and studies of various subjects. The visible brushstrokes and light impasto are consistent with his youthful style.

The sketch is unfinished. Merely hinting at the horse, Bouguereau concentrated his efforts on the cavalryman in armour, who is brought to life by the simple inclination of the head, covered by a helmet, and by the slight movement of the arms. His treatment of the gleaming reflections playing on the metallic surface is masterly. The background is only partially painted, with a red ochre halo surrounding the finished part. The contrast between this warm colour and the cold brightness of the armour adds to the visual appeal of the sketch.

Although Bouguereau did not, to our knowledge, further develop this type of subject, he nevertheless took an interest in it. A drawing which bears the studio stamp shows a cavalryman in armour seen from the front (private collection).