19TH CENTURY FRENCH SCHOOL | Man lamenting the death of his steed

oil on canvas

- relined - chip missing lower right - craquelures in the sky with matter free from canvas - some repaints may be lightened : the painting would benefit from a restoration - a few minor chips missing scattered on the surface Under UV light, - very numerous repaints (old and new) in the sky, on the ground, by the borders - repaints on the horse : chest, hair, legs, ear and sattle - repaints on the man : chest, sex, feet ; and somme small retouches scattered on the surface, one of which on his lip
"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."

Mauzaisse started exhibiting at the Salon de Paris in 1808. Four years later, he obtained a golden medal for Arabe pleurant son coursier (Arab Lamenting his Steed) presented at the Salon of 1812 n°627 and now kept at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Angers. The subject was taken from a contemporary poet, Charles-Hubert Millevoye, which tells the story of a man's despair after the death of his horse. He avenged his horse by killing the murderer, who lies prostrate in the background on the right. A replica is kept at the Museum of Art, Birmingham, Alabama. Mauzaisse depicts the sentimental fusion between man and horse and the brutality of their separation through death. By painting a vast, arid and desolate desert in the background, he evokes the solitude of men and their vain wanderings.