About this sheet
A finely executed and highly atmospheric French lithograph depicting two spirited equestrian scenes inspired by the celebrated works of Carle Vernet, one of the most influential sporting and military artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Produced in France around the 1820s, the sheet presents two separate compositions featuring Arab or Mameluke horsemen handling energetic horses within evocative desert-like settings.
The lower margin indicates the composition was “dessiné par Aubry d’après C. Vernet” (drawn by Aubry after Carle Vernet), while the lithographic printing was executed by the important Parisian lithographic publisher F. Delpech (“Impr. lithog. de F. Delpech”). François-Séraphin Delpech was among the pioneering French lithographic printers during the Restoration period and collaborated with many of the leading artists of the era.
Carle Vernet (1758–1836) was internationally admired for his mastery of equestrian subjects, cavalry scenes, hunting imagery, and Orientalist themes. His depictions of Arabian horses and exotic horsemen strongly influenced European taste during the Napoleonic and Restoration periods. Following Napoleon’s Egyptian campaigns and Europe’s growing fascination with the Ottoman world and North Africa, scenes of Mamelukes, Arab riders, and Oriental horses became highly fashionable among collectors and aristocratic patrons.
This lithograph beautifully captures the energy and elegance characteristic of Vernet’s style. In the upper composition, a richly adorned rider restrains a rearing horse against a sparse landscape with a distant pyramid, evoking Egypt and the romanticized Orient. The lower scene depicts a horseman calming or controlling an animated Arabian horse beside ornamental tack and equipment. Both scenes emphasize the elegance, temperament, and athletic movement of the horses while also reflecting the era’s fascination with exotic equestrian culture.
Executed in delicate monochrome lithography, the sheet possesses a refined tonal quality and a highly decorative balance between open paper and detailed figural compositions. The spacious margins and elegant layout give the work a sophisticated, almost album-like appearance highly suited for framing.
Today, early French lithographs after Carle Vernet are highly sought after by collectors of equestrian art, Orientalist imagery, Napoleonic-era subjects, and French sporting prints. This example combines historical interest with timeless decorative appeal.
This is an original antique print, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Condition:
Age-related toning, scattered light foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. Deckled edges preserved. Overall in good antique condition with attractive tonal quality and strong decorative appeal.
Framing Tips:
This lithograph displays exceptionally well in dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames paired with a wide ivory or oatmeal mat. Its refined monochrome palette and elegant Orientalist subject matter make it especially suitable for libraries, studies, country houses, equestrian interiors, or sophisticated gallery walls.
