SUPERB IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING 19th CENTURY - BLACKSMITH & HORSE IN FULL SHOEING

  

Painting (oil on wood panel), dating from the 19th century and unsigned. This is a painting depicting a blacksmith. The scene takes place indoors.

The white horse is positioned at the center of the composition, and we can see only its hindquarters. An man on the right, wearing a white shirt and a cap, is holding its right hind leg, while another is in the process of shoeing the animal. Tools are visible hanging on the wall to the left, and an open window allows light to enter. The painting lacks a signature, and attribution will likely be difficult to obtain. However, the appeal of this piece does not lie in its attribution, although the hand that executed it belongs to a skilled artist, but rather in its aesthetic and approach. Indeed, the painter moved to a blacksmith's workshop. At that time, clients would bring their horses directly to the artisan, unlike today.

The scene depicted here is during the shoeing process. There is a desire to capture the moment when everything is happening. A ray of sunlight can also be seen revealing a thick cloud of white smoke.

Although the style is Impressionistic, the immersive approach somewhat recalls artists like Courbet or Jean-François Millet, for example. There is no intention of exaggeration with this work, and this is one of its qualities and, in my opinion, the source of its poetic aspect and strength. Dimensions: - 33 cm / 23 cm.

48 cm / 40 cm (frame). Note: as can be seen in the photos, the painting itself is in good condition! However, I would like to point out that there are several small missing pieces on the frame.

Restoration of this frame may be necessary, although the artwork remains perfectly legible as it is. I am at your disposal if you have any questions. More photos available upon request. I'm able to understand English and to be understood. So, if you have any questions you can contact me.

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