Artwork
Horses in freedom
Horses in freedom is an oil painting by Alfred de Dreux. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
Alfred de Dreux, a French painter active in the mid‑19th century, produced the oil work *Horses in Freedom* circa 1850. The canvas depicts a solitary brown horse with a dark mane and tail set against a grassy plain, while two white horses appear near a fence in the distance. The composition is held by the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure—a brown horse turning its head toward the viewer—conveys a quiet alertness, contrasting with the more distant, static white horses. The open landscape and the gentle pose suggest a moment of tranquil liberty for the animals, reflecting de Dreux’s long‑standing interest in equine subjects and their expressive potential.
Technique & Style
De Dreux employs a warm palette and fluid brushwork that soften the forms of the horses and the surrounding meadow. Careful rendering of musculature and coat texture demonstrates his anatomical knowledge, while subtle gradations of light give the figures a modest three‑dimensionality without resorting to dramatic chiaroscuro.
History & Provenance
Created around the middle of the 19th century, the painting entered the collection of Argentina’s National Museum of Fine Arts, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to represent European academic painting alongside its Latin American holdings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre-Alfred Dedreux, who signed his works as Alfred de Dreux (French pronunciation: ; 23 March 1810, in Paris – 5 March 1860, in Paris) was a French portrait and animal painter, best known for his scenes with horses.
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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