A Saddled Race Horse Tied to a Fence 1828

Horace Vernet likely painted this oil on canvas of a saddled race horse in France, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Vernet was known for his depictions of military and orientalist subjects, aligning himself with the rising power of the bourgeoisie through a highly commercial artistic practice. Horses often symbolized power, status, and wealth. Here, the image might allude to the growing popularity of equestrian sports among the French elite. The setting—outside a stable—suggests a world of leisure and privilege. Vernet himself came from a family of artists, and he successfully navigated the art world through his connections to powerful patrons and institutions. To fully understand this work, it would be helpful to research the history of equestrian sports in 19th-century France and study Vernet’s relationship to the French court and the Academy. By understanding this context, we can better appreciate how images of this kind served to reinforce specific social values and class distinctions.