Albert de Gesne, French Sporting of Hunting Hounds, 19th Century, Oil Painting

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A finely executed 19th-century French sporting oil painting by Jean Victor Albert de Gesne (1834–1903), depicting two hunting hounds resting … Read more A finely executed 19th-century French sporting oil painting by Jean Victor Albert de Gesne (1834–1903), depicting two hunting hounds resting beneath a tree in an expansive country landscape. The two hounds form the focal point of the composition, one standing attentively while its companion rests on the ground. Their tricolour coats are particularly well observed, with De Gesne capturing the animals' individual expressions, anatomy and character with considerable sensitivity. An especially appealing detail is the hunting equipment suspended from the tree behind the dogs, including a hunting horn and associated accoutrements. These elements firmly establish the sporting subject while giving the scene the atmosphere of a temporary pause during a day's hunting. Beyond the hounds stretches a softly rendered rural landscape beneath a broad blue sky. The comparatively restrained landscape allows the strongly modelled animals to dominate the composition while providing considerable depth and atmosphere. De Gesne specialised in animal and hunting subjects, and this painting demonstrates the detailed observation for which his sporting works are particularly known. The work is signed "Alb. de Gesne" lower left and is presented in an impressive carved and moulded gilt frame. Jean Victor Albert de Gesne Jean Victor Albert de Gesne (1834–1903) was a French painter particularly associated with animal and sporting subjects. Born in Paris, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and exhibited his work in Paris, including at the Salon and later the Salon des Artistes Français during the latter part of the 19th century. De Gesne became particularly accomplished in paintings of dogs, hunting scenes and groups of hounds, carefully studying both the anatomy and individual character of his animals. His compositions frequently combine detailed animal portraiture with naturalistic landscapes and the equipment and traditions associated with European hunting. Although primarily known as an oil painter, De Gesne also worked in watercolour, and his compositions were reproduced through prints and engravings. His work belongs to the long tradition of European sporting painting while also reflecting the naturalistic tendencies associated with 19th-century French landscape and animal painting. Artist: Jean Victor Albert de Gesne (1834–1903) Signature: Signed "Alb. de Gesne" lower left Medium: Oil on canvas Subject: Hunting hounds in a landscape Country of origin: France Period: 19th century Artwork dimensions: 61 × 74 cm (24 × 29 in.) Framed dimensions: 79 × 92 cm (31 × 36 in.) Style: French Sporting / Animal Painting Condition: Antique condition consistent with age; please refer to the photographs for further detail. See less