About this sheet
Gaucho Horsemen Lassoing Wild Horses – Antique Engraving by Énault, 1867
This dramatic 19th-century engraving, titled "Chasse au Lasso," comes from Louis Énault’s celebrated travel account *L’Amérique centrale et méridionale* (Paris, 1867). It vividly depicts gaucho horsemen of South America pursuing and capturing wild horses with their lassos across the open pampas.
The composition, drawn by Gustave Janet (1829–1898) and engraved by Outhwaite, conveys movement and intensity. In the foreground, a rider urges his mount forward, pulling hard on the reins as he throws his lasso at a rearing black stallion. Around him, other gauchos on horseback are engaged in the chase, their lassos whirling in the air as the herd gallops in chaos. In the distance, palm trees and rolling plains complete the exotic setting.
Such imagery was intended to fascinate French and European readers of the mid-19th century, who regarded the gaucho as a romantic symbol of freedom, bravery, and mastery of the horse. Énault’s travel volumes combined geographic and cultural study with adventure and spectacle, and this engraving remains a striking visual record of how South America was imagined at the time.
Collectors of equestrian art, Latin American history, and 19th-century travel engravings will find this work both historically valuable and visually compelling. Its dynamic lines and narrative energy make it a fine decorative piece as well as an ethnographic document.
Condition report: Very good condition with light age-related toning. Minor foxing in margins, not affecting the image. Strong, clear impression with visible plate mark. Blank verso. Please review the images closely.
Framing tips: Best presented with a wide ivory or cream mount to highlight the sharp contrasts of the engraving. A dark wood or black frame emphasizes the power and movement, while a gilt frame adds elegance. For added depth, consider double matting with a subtle green or red inner line that reflects the natural tones of the scene.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Gustave Janet (del.), Outhwaite (sc.), published in Paris, 1867
