In partnership with the Gévaudan museum in Mende, “Midi Libre” presents some works exhibited during the temporary exhibition “300 years of talent. Brueghel, Géricault, Delacroix, Rodin. Dialogue of Béziers-Mende collections”.
Here is Study for a ram’s headoil on canvas painted in 1848 by Horace Vernet (1789, Paris-1863, Paris).
Animal portraits are not so common in museums, and more generally in the history of painting. It emerged during the Renaissance, but developed especially in the 18th century.e and XIXe centuries, thanks to painters specializing in animal painting.
Naturalistic interest
Over time, it gradually loses its essentially symbolic dimension, in favor of a naturalistic and aesthetic interest.
Horace Vernet is a very popular history painter in the mid-19th century.e century, notably under the reign of Louis-Philippe (r. 1830-1848). Here he shows his ability to restore the beauty and sensitivity of this animal, through the care given to details and the work on light, accentuated by the choice of a dark background.
Between a study and a definitive work, this type of painting could be used to prepare details for more imposing works, or to highlight this or that singular animal.
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