Large French antique painted ceramic plaque of six horses

Significantly large for works of this type, this elegant equestrian portrait is excellently painted upon an earthenware clay plaque.

The subject of the artwork is a study of six bridled horses of different breeds in bust form. The painting is rendered in a naturalistic style, employing a muted colour palette. The horses are set against a backdrop of clouds, leaning over a low hedgerow in the foreground.

The work is an exceptional study of the subject’s anatomy, with each horse positioned at a slightly different angle to showcase the different expressions and shining coats. The horse as a symbol has long been associated with being an ally and companion to man, as well as with both nobility and beauty.

The plaque is beautifully complemented by the gilt and ebonised wood frame in which it is set, providing a dramatic border to the scene.

The plaque is marked indistinctly on the reverse, including ‘HL’ and ’19.7’.

With its stunningly rendered subjects, this plaque would make a marvellous addition to the collection of anyone interested in equestrian pieces.

Plaque: Height 20cm, width 66cm
Frame: Height 41cm, width 86cm, depth 6cm