Wouterus Verschuur d. Ä., 1812 Amsterdam – 1874 Vorden

THE WATERING OF THE HORSES Oil on wood, partly parquetted. 37 x 53 cm. Signed "W. Verschuur." lower left. In gilded frame. In front of a slightly dilapidated farmstead with several buildings, three standing magnificent horses, two of which are to be watered by a farmer's wife with a wooden trough set down. A boy sitting in the grass accompanied by a dog is watching the woman. On the left is a large old draw well, while on the right a gentleman in back view, probably the owner of the two horses, is just entering the house. Fine painting with skillful use of light and shadow, the three magnificent animals are particularly emphasized by their partly shiny coats. Verschuur, known for his horse paintings, was already highly regarded during his lifetime, having exhibited at the Exhibition of living Masters in 1828 and winning the gold medal at Felix Meritis' annual exhibition in 1832 and 1833. From his teacher, the animal painter Pieter Gerardus van Os (1776-1839), he had learned to draw the construction and movements of horses to perfection. He was also a skilled dog painter, which is why these animals appear in most of his paintings. In 1833 he became a member of the Royal Academy in Amsterdam and in 1855 Napoleon III purchased one of his works at the World Exhibition in Paris.(14023228) (10)