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Leon Lafourcade
France Acrylic on canvas “Horse Race”, León Lafourcade

$4,531.80
£3,355.13
€3,766
CA$6,274.60
A$6,850.36
CHF 3,591.36
MX$83,200.27
NOK 44,850.29
SEK 42,350.63
DKK 28,671.36

About the Item

Exquisite painting by Léolaf, the artistic name of León Lafourcade, a French-born artist active between the 19th and 20th centuries. He participated in various exhibitions, including at the Salon des Artistes Indépendants. It depicts an equestrian scene of jockeys racing, capturing the energy and dynamism of the moment. An expressive use of brushwork is evident, with loose, fluid strokes suggesting movement and speed, especially in the background, with a diffuse or ethereal finish. The hazy atmosphere contributes to this feeling. The jockeys wear the characteristic red equestrian jacket and riding helmet. The horses, meanwhile, are all in mid-flight, creating a broad sense of dynamism. Horse races became highly prestigious social events, one of the favorite pastimes of the upper classes in Europe at the time. The elite used these types of events to showcase themselves and establish relationships. The high regard and dynamism of these types of events made them an attractive subject for artists such as Degas, Théodore Géricault, Meissonier, and others. In this case, Lafourcade uses expressive brushstrokes to capture the energy of the racetrack, achieving a balance between figuration and atmospheric suggestion. In a context in which the privileged classes flaunted their power and position through their leisure time, horse racing emerged as one of their favorite betting activities. Sponsorship by authorities such as Charles II of England and Louis XIV of France demonstrates the value and respect this sport held in society. The first horse races organized as official competitions were held thanks to the patronage of the nobility. The 18th and 19th centuries were a crucial period for the consolidation of horse racing as a sport. It was in the 18th century that selective horse breeding became formalized. Furthermore, it became popular in France thanks to the support of Napoleon Bonaparte, who promoted this activity because it was seen as a good strategy to improve the quality of military horses. The construction of modern racetracks began in the 19th century. However, the sport's period of greatest splendor occurred in the 20th century, when it spread to Latin America, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East. Technological innovations have enabled the automation of betting and its broadcast on television and radio, expanding its global audience. Technical details Technique on support: Acrylic on canvas Title of the work: “Horse Race” Author: León Lafourcade “Léolaf” Signed in the lower left corner and on the back Period: Late 19th century Country of origin: Paris, France Good condition commensurate with age and use Overall dimensions: 72.5 x 115.5 x 2 cm
  • Creator:
    Leon Lafourcade (1887 - 1905, French)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 28.35 in (72 cm)Width: 45.28 in (115 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Valladolid, ES
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2885216746522

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