Theodor SCHLOEPKE
Schwerin, 1812 – 1878
Horse runaway
Watercolor, pencil and white highlights on paper.
150 x 145 mm – 5 7/8 x 5 11/16 in.
Signed on the left Th. Schloepke Schwerinenmeklenburg on March 15, 1871.
Born in Schwerin in 1812, Theodor Schloepke is a German painter and illustrator. He first trained as a decorative painter in his hometown then went to Postdal and Berlin to continue his studies in the workshops of Franz Krüger. He then stayed in Paris and Versailles from 1846 to 1848 and from 1855 to 1857, where he worked alongside Horace Vernet. He also spent a stay in Italy in 1874 and 1875. This watercolor, representing a man riding a horse who is racing, must undoubtedly be preparatory to a humorous illustration. The artist precisely captures the vigor and energy of the galloping equine which recall the works of his colleague Horace Vernet with whom he collaborated. As indicated by the autograph inscription, in pen and brown ink, lower left, Theodor Schloepke created this watercolor in Schwerin on March 18, 1871, a period during which his activity as an illustrator was very developed. The majority of this artist’s works are kept at the Staatliches Museum in Schwerin, some watercolors of which can be compared to ours. An exhibition dedicated to the artist in 1958 was the subject of a catalog published by the Museum.
Condition report – Excellent condition.
