Achille Giroux, Marshal Ferrant In The Forge

Achille Giroux (1816-1854)
Farrier in the forge
signed lower right
Oil on panel, 35 cm x 22 cm
Gilt wood frame, 60 cm x 52 cm

Achille Giroux was born in Normandy, in Mortagne au Perche in 1816.
Sent to Saumur to study, he discovered the equestrian world and that of the arts with a lithographer. His predispositions for drawing revealed, his parents accept that he goes to study in Paris, he becomes student of Michel Martin Drolling.

Only horses interest the young artist as models. It was at the veterinary school of Maison-Alfort that he perfected this knowledge and his art by producing anatomical boards for the publication of a "Course of Anatomy of the Horses".

During his stays in Normandy, notably at the Haras du Pin, they are living horses that he finds as models, leaving him more freedom and creativity in his painting than the dissections of the veterinary school.
From 1840, he exhibited regularly at the Salon du Louvres and continues in parallel, a brilliant career of lithographer, reproducing works, Alfred de Dreux, Horace Vernet, Eugene Isabey among others.

Our small size chart shows a blacksmith at work in the forge. The warm and dark atmosphere of the forge, allows the artist to play with the light of fire. A back horse, without his collar and harness, presents his shoe to the craftsman for the change of iron, the apprentices stoke the fire.

A charming scene, representative of the world that has fascinated Achille Giroux all his life.

Signed oak panel 30 cm x 22 cm, Achille Giroux bottom right Golden frame vintage 48 cm x 41 cm