A Closer Look
Eugène Delacroix
Cheval arabe attaché à un piquet
Take a deep dive into an exceptional painting from our Alain Delon: 60 Years of Passion sale on 22 June in Paris: Cheval arabe attaché à un piquet by French artist Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863).
Delacroix was not only one of the giants of 19th century European art, but also the first truly 'Orientalist' painter. This work, however, was created during Delacroix's trip to England in 1825—before his first trip to North Africa. That came in 1832, and Delacroix's journey and paintings became a template for artists following in his footsteps.
During his trip to England in 1825, Delacroix visited the arms and armour collection of Samuel Rush Meyrick in Cadogan Place, London. It was "the finest collection of armour that might have existed," he wrote. Several of his later paintings contained details inspired by objects in the Meryick collection. Take a closer look below.
EUGÈNE DELACROIX (1798-1863)
Cheval arabe attaché à un piquet
Oil on canvas
37 x 47 cm (14 9/16 x 18 1/2 in)
€300,000 - €500,000
Previously identified as a Turkish or Arabian man in historic catalogues, we now know this standing figure is Indian. Several of his accessories, although not his entire costume, are based on objects that Delacroix saw in the Samuel Rush Meyrick collection.
His sword and shield—and probably the bamboo spear—are based on the weapons carried by a mannequin dressed in the armour of a Polygar (a kingdom ruler in southern India).
The saddle lying on the ground belongs to the Maratha caste (a Hindu warrior class living in the central and south-western parts of India).
The horse is likely to have been modelled on one that belonged to the horse dealer A. Elmore, who was close to Delacroix and met him during his stay in England.
This masterpiece is coming under the hammer on 22 June.
Browse the sale and register to bid now
or contact stefania.lumetta@bonhams.com for more information.
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