Orientalism and the Arabian Horse: Part 2 Horace Vernet, the son of the certainly both a gifted artist as well painted scenes from Algeria in renowned Arabian horse artist as an adventurer. huge dimensions. Up to then, the Carle Vernet, was the last of the traditional way to paint focused on influential “Vernet dynasty”. Horace His numerous, extensive journeys a central hero in the picture. Horace developed into the most popular of led him to Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Vernet however created giant the famous Vernets. He was born Syria, Palestine, Turkey and the compositions, which seemed to Horace Vernet in the Palais du Louvre in 1789 – Crimea. During these travels, tell a whole novel. All little incidents the year of the French Revolution. he was not afraid of strains and were of equal value. By Judith Wich-Wenning Horace Vernet learned how to efforts. He took any means of paint horses from his father Carle, transport available, be it horse, One of Horace Vernet’s most well- yet developed his own, unique camel or mule and often camped known pictures is certainly “The In the second of our three-part series on the Arabian horse in style. He gained fame and fortune in the open air if necessary. Lion Hunt”, an oil painting dated Orientalist art, the very knowledgeable Judith Wich-Wenning at an early age. Horace already 1836. This work is full of action While the Vernets were traditionally introduces the HT community to another important equine artist of won a first class medal at 22, and and dynamic. While the Wallace royalist, Horace had an exceptional became a Chevalier of the Legion Collection in London owns the the Romantic period, Horace Vernet. ability to adapt to the changing of Honour at 25. original, lithographs of this motif regimes of his time. His career are popular collector’s items. A few years later, he was named developed steadily, no matter enning W director of the Académie de France who reigned over France. Horace Horace Vernet became professor ich- in Rome. Its seat was – and still Vernet became famous for his at the Paris School of Fine Arts

Judith W is – the Villa Medici, where his battle scenes for which he received and developed enormous influence father Carle had already spent an many important commissions. His on the artistic organizations important time many years before. fighting sceneries are imposing, of his time. Horace Vernet left In 1833, Horace decided to resign first of all through their motifs, but a large production with some from this position in order to make often also because of their large 500 paintings and around 200 the first of his many journeys to dimensions, being painted on vast lithographs. Especially through his Algeria. This travel with all its first- panoramic canvases. In many of lithographs, Horace Vernet reached hand impressions inspired Vernet his artworks, he depicted Napoleon a wider audience. This earned him on a large scale. It even brought and his impressive Arabian riding immense public renown. He died in about a change in his style. stallions. Spectators who had the his hometown of Paris at the age of privilege to watch him working 74. Horace Vernet’s grave can still Before this journey, the Romantic always marvelled at the incredible be visited today at the cemetery of Movement, showing vibrant speed with which he painted. Montmartre, not far from where his colours and lots of passion father Carle was buried. and exuberance, influencedThe revolution of 1830 brought his paintings. Afterwards, his King Louis-Philippe to the throne. work excelled through sharp He was a close friend and protector precision and the love of great of Horace Vernet. This of course For inquiries regarding the ethnographical detail. Travelling to pushed Horace’s career even Arabian horse in art please the East was dangerous and often more. When King Louis-Philippe contact: uncomfortable at Horace Vernet’s decided to create a museum of time. High expenses, unreliable military history in Versailles, Vernet Judith Wich-Wenning, Germany, itineraries and the risk of disease was commissioned to decorate Tel.: ++49 1707721739 overshadowed such endeavours. one of the principal galleries email: [email protected] However, Horace Vernet was there. For this work Horace Vernet

“Halte de Cavaliers Arabes“, 19 th century lithograph typical for Fromentin, owned by Judith Wich-Wenning

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