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Emil Volkers
By Emil Volkers, Pair of Horses

19th Century

$4,757.24
£3,539.88
€4,000
CA$6,536.19
A$7,294.95
CHF 3,837.98
MX$88,613.48
NOK 48,655.31
SEK 45,535.28
DKK 30,450.47

About the Item

Emil Volkers (Birkenfeld, 1831 - Dusseldorf, 1905), attr. Pair of Horses (2) Oil on canvas, 25x36 cm Framed, 42x50 cm In the vast panorama of 19th-century German art, where the focus was divided between romantic landscapes, bourgeois portraits, and historical scenes, the figure of Emil Volkers (1831-1905) emerged. Volkers carved out a distinctive and highly valued niche for himself, becoming the painter par excellence of the horse and, by extension, of Prussian military life of his time. His works are not only testimonies of exceptional technical skill, but also valuable visual documents of an era and culture in which the horse still played a central role, both in agriculture and, above all, in the military. Born Feb. 16, 1831, in Birkenfeld, near Bremen, Emil Volkers showed a marked inclination for art from a young age. His artistic training began with preliminary studies in his hometown and then continued, as was customary for many young German talents of the time, at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. Here, under the guidance of esteemed masters, he refined his skills in drawing and painting, but it was his innate passion for animals, particularly horses, that directed him toward the specialization that would make him famous. What sets Volkers apart is his deep understanding of equine anatomy and his ability to capture the energy, grace and power of these magnificent animals. His horses are not mere details in a scene; they are the real protagonists, portrayed with a vividness and realism that reveal hours of careful observation and meticulous study. Whether they were full-speed racehorses, sturdy workhorses, or elegant parade steeds, Volkers could render their every muscle, every tension, every expression with an almost scientific precision yet imbued with life. This specialization naturally led him to paint a large number of military scenes, particularly those related to the Prussian army. The era in which Volkers lived was a time of great change and conflict for Germany, culminating in unification under Prussian leadership. The army was a fundamental component of society and politics, and horses were indispensable for cavalry, artillery, and transportation. Volkers became the visual chronicler of this reality. His canvases often depict military maneuvers, cavalry charges, field scenes, parades and equestrian portraits of officers. He did not merely render the mere action; his works are rich in details that tell the story of the soldier's life on horseback, equipment, uniforms, and surroundings. His ability to set scenes in realistic landscapes, often with dramatic skies or distinctive lighting effects, added depth and atmosphere to his compositions. In addition to military scenes, Volkers also painted numerous portraits of specific horses, often commissioned by stable owners, breeders or aristocrats who wished to immortalize their prized animals. These works are a tribute to the beauty and majesty of the horse, and show his mastery in rendering the different breeds and individual equine personalities. Volkers' fame spread quickly, and his works were in high demand by both private collectors and military institutions. His style was characterized by precise but vibrant brushwork, a rich palette, and great attention to light and shadow, which gave his canvases an impression of three-dimensionality and dynamism. Emil Volkers died on April 29, 1905 in Düsseldorf, leaving behind a significant artistic legacy. His works are not only a pleasure for lovers of horses and painting, but also valuable historical sources for anyone who wants to understand military culture and daily life in 19th-century Germany. Through his canvases, Volkers not only celebrated the power and beauty of the horse, but elevated its figure to a symbol of an entire era, making it a true protagonist of history and art. This pair of paintings fully denotes the absolute technical expertise of the German painter, who, throughout his production, shows references to his academic training. What emerges is the absolute importance given to the figure of the horse, which, from a simple animal, is transformed into an absolute symbol of an era.
  • Creator:
    Emil Volkers (1831 - 1905, German)
  • Creation Year:
    19th Century
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)Width: 14.18 in (36 cm)
  • More Editions & Sizes:
    25x36 cmPrice: $4,757
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Milan, IT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2639216748192

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