Hunting With Hounds, Amazon And Horseman - Théodore Fort 1810-1896

Each signed: Th Fort Dimensions of each of the paintings: With frame 49 x 56 cm Without frame 30 x 38 cm

Few biographical elements have come down to us concerning this painter-watercolourist born in 1810 and died in 1896. He is however the son of Siméon Fort, a military painter greatly appreciated by Louis-Philippe who commissioned many paintings of battles from the history of France, and who had trained him in military painting. Preferring watercolour, Théodore Fort was a very prolific artist, very recognizable by his representation of the galloping horse, the 4 hooves in suspension. Although watercolor remains his preferred technique, he has produced a few oils on canvas of experienced talent. Military subjects are his favour, but he also likes to paint carriages, stagecoaches and other phaetons, as well as hunting with hounds.
The horse always holds a major place in all his compositions. He was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor for his entire career. With his very recognizable brush, Théodore Fort created this pendant of an Amazon and a horseman, dressed in a very Louis XV costume, but the horseman's Napoleon III goatee betraying the painter's era! Our two riders go at a walk, while the hunting dogs run in all directions, their impatience contrasting with the nonchalance of the riders.
The pleasures of hunting are multiple and are not the same for everyone… Hunting with hounds was one of the great passions of the bourgeoisie from the July Monarchy. This very fashionable pastime, especially from the Second Empire, also found its expression in art and literature. A few magazines, such as the very famous “Hunting illustrated” weekly magazine which appeared from 1867 until 1899 then bi-monthly until 1914 found a large and enthusiastic audience.

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