Horace - Reserved

19th-century oil on hardboard, signed lower right “P. Magne de la Croix” for Louis Auguste Paul Magne de la Croix (1875–1942), and dated November 1896. The work is titled Horace in the upper right corner.

A striking equine portrait depicting a white horse named Horace shown in profile, standing in his bridle and saddle, with an expectant curve in his neck. The restrained setting, reduced to earthy ground tones and a softly treated neutral background, places full attention on Horace, lending the composition a quiet dignity and intimacy.

The painting is executed with refined and controlled brushwork, particularly in the treatment of the horse’s anatomy. Light moves softly across the body, revealing careful modeling and subtle tonal transitions that give the animal both physical presence and gentleness. In contrast, the ground is approached with a more textured and painterly handling, creating a subtle tension between realism and atmosphere. Details such as the saddle and bridle are rendered with precision while remaining secondary to the calm monumentality of the horse.

More than a simple animal study, the painting feels deeply personal. The inclusion of the horse’s name, combined with the near absence of narrative or decorative context, suggests a commissioned portrait intended to honor a specific and valued animal companion. The result is both direct and quietly emotional.

At the end of the 19th century, horses occupied a central place in daily life, serving as working animals, symbols of status, and companions in leisure and sport. Portraits such as this one reflect not only technical skill, but also the emotional and cultural importance attributed to horses during the period.

About the artist:

Louis Auguste Paul Magne de la Croix was born in France in 1875 and died in Argentina in 1942. Trained in France, he developed an artistic practice centered on horses, hunting scenes, and landscapes, exhibiting at major institutions including the Grand Palais, the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, the Exposition Canine des Tuileries, and the early Salon d’Automne in Paris.

Alongside his painting career, he worked extensively as an illustrator, producing engravings and drawings for books and sporting publications in the early 20th century. In 1908, he was named Chevalier du Mérite Agricole by the French government.

That same year, he moved to Argentina, where his work gradually shifted toward scientific illustration. Collaborating with the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural in Buenos Aires, he became known for his highly detailed representations of local fauna, including fossil species from South America’s Tertiary and Quaternary periods. His illustrations accompanied scientific publications and museum displays for decades and remained influential well into the late 20th century.

Following a temporary return to France during the First World War, he ultimately settled permanently in Argentina, where he continued his artistic and scientific work until his death.

• Overall Size: 12.2" x 15.3" / 31.5cm x 39.5cm.
  
• Size without the frame: 9.4" x 12.5" / 24.5cm x 32.5cm.
• Country of origin: France.
• Signature: Yes, Louis Auguste Paul Magne de la Croix (1875–1942).
  
• Creation date: November 1896.
• Conditions: The panel is slightly bowed, though this remains barely perceptible. It shows a few minor marks and rare small losses. The frame is in very good overall condition, with some light surface marks and small impacts; the gilding has been restored.
  
• Materials: Oil on hardboard in a more modern wood and stucco frame.  
• Shipped with DHL: Complimentary shipping to the US and Europe. A surcharge will be applied for deliveries to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
• DDP shipping: All taxes and import fees are included in the listed price.