Lot 321: f - Arthur-Marie-Gabriel, Comte du Passage French, 1838-1909 , A tacked up horse with a groom cleaning its hoof

signed: C te du Passage and inscribed: Boudet E dr Paris inscribed in paint on the underside: 10-158 bronze, dark brown patina

measurements note 29 by 39cm., 11 3/8 by 15 3/8 in.

In this bronze group Arthur-Marie-Gabriel, comte du Passage has charmingly captured an everyday moment as a groom cleans the hoof of a mare. The anecdotal nature of du Passage?s art made him a favourite choice amongst contemporary collectors and it was also reflected in his sporting sketches for popular magazines including Vie Parisienne and l?Art et la Mode. The transient vignettes in this model include the swirl of the water in the bucket and the towel slipping from its position over the horse?s shoulder as he leans down to grasp the hoof in his right hand.

See also lots 305 and 316.