Artwork

Mademoiselle de Mossellmann Riding in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris

Mademoiselle de Mossellmann Riding in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris is an oil painting by the French Romanticist artist Alfred de Dreux. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

About this work

Overview

Mademoiselle de Mossellmann Riding in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris is an 1848 oil painting by French Romanticist Alfred de Dreux, capturing a dynamic equestrian scene within a Parisian setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a refined woman, Mademoiselle de Mossellmann, riding a horse at a gallop through the wooded Bois de Boulogne, accompanied by a small dog. Her attire includes a dark blue skirt, light-colored jacket, and black hat, reflecting elegance in a natural, public space.

Technique & Style

Dreux employed rich details and subtle color variations, characteristic of French Romanticism. The scene's energy and movement suggest the use of chiaroscuro, though the primary emphasis is on capturing the subject's dynamism and environment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1848, specific provenance details are not provided, but the work aligns with Dreux's known oeuvre of portraits and animal scenes, particularly equestrian themes.

Context

The Bois de Boulogne, a popular Parisian park, serves as the backdrop, highlighting the subject's leisure activity in a fashionable, accessible outdoor space of the time.

Legacy

While not extensively detailed here, the painting contributes to the broader legacy of French Romantic equestrian art, reflecting the era's appreciation for dynamic natural and refined societal scenes.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Alfred de Dreux

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.