This charming French school portrait of a saddled horse was painted in 1905. It might have been commissioned by the horse’s owner, as the name “Elysee” is inscribed in the lower left corner. There is an illegible signature in the lower right corner (possibly with the initials “B. H.”) and the date 1905.

The pastoral scene depicts a white horse standing in a meadow with verdant trees in the background. Sections of the grass are yellow and well-traveled, but the ground appears to be level. The horse is tacked with a vivid red saddle and a pink saddle blanket with gold trim. There is a red crupper around the tail, finished with a neat bow. The black breast collar matches the bridle, which has split reins of gold and black. A golden browband is attached to the bridle with a red bow. The painting is surrounded by an elegant giltwood frame with lozenge pattern background beneath foliate scrolls. Our portrait of Elysee is perfect for a bar/game room, a study, or a bedroom.

CONDITION: Good antique condition, with light buildup to canvas plus minor rubs to frame. The frame is wired in the back for hanging purposes.