RENÉ-PIERRE-CHARLES PRINCETEAU | The Finish at the Jockey-club prize on May 29th 1892 in Chantilly

Baron Arthur de Schickler, Paris
Comtesse Hubert de Pourtalès, Paris

Les Courses en France, Château de Maisons-Laffitte, 1926, n°51
Galerie Schmit, René Princeteau, Chevaux et Cavaliers, Paris, 4-25 March 1965, n°25 ;
Galerie Schmit, René Princeteau, Chevaux et Cavaliers, Paris, 28 September - 2 December 1994, n°78

R. Martrinchard, Princeteau, Bordeaux, 1956, mentioned p.117 ;
Michel Morice, Princeteau, la vérité en mouvement in L'Oeil, n°422, september 1990, mentioned p. 76
Robert and Manuel Schmit, René Princeteau (1843-1914), Chevaux et cavaliers;
Catalogue raisonné, éd. Galerie Schmit, Paris, 1994, n° 220 illustrated pp.146, 148-149 

-Rather good overall condition. -The canvas has not been relined. -Sane and stable canvas. -Canvas slightly loose on its stretcher. -Six small tears of minor importance scattered on the canvas have been restored, including five that have been reinforced on the back using small patches. -The paint layer in relatively good condition. -Varnish relatively clear. -Retouchings are visible to the naked eye, near the torn areas. -With the UV light, some rare and scattered retouching is visible. Some repainted areas seem to be visible on two of the six tears. -In a modern wooden frame.
"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."

The Finish line of the Prix du Jockey-Club, the 19^th of May, 1892, is among René Princeteau's masterpieces. It shows the finish line of the famous equestrian competition that has taken place at Chantilly Racecourse since 1836. The 1892 derby was won by Chêne Royal and Fra Angelico, both from the Schickler stables. The two winning jockeys are recognizable through their white silk jersey, red sleeves, and red cap. Indeed, the odds were not in the competitors' favour, as the horses from the Schickler stables clearly dominated the races from the start of the season. 

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 19^th century and beginning of the 20^th 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.