Course de Chevaux (Horse Race)
Print, specifically a lithograph on paper • Charles Lapicque (French, 1898–1988), signed in the stone/plate and marked 'E.A.' (Épreuve d'Artiste)
Style & Movement
School of Paris; Modernism influenced by Fauvism and Cubism, with a distinct emphasis on rhythmic, calligraphic abstraction.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography featuring bold, calligraphic line work and flat areas of color (yellow, pink, green, and red). The technique utilizes fluid, gestural drawing to suggest motion.
Creation Period
Circa 1950-1970
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 65 x 50 cm (image), presented in a vertical portrait format under glass with a gilded frame.
Subject Description
The composition depicts a dynamic horse racing scene. It features stylized jockeys and horses rendered in black kontur lines. The sense of speed is conveyed through overlapping figures and scattered, non-mimetic color patches that evoke the atmosphere of the racetrack.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The colors appear stable, but there is noticeable toning/yellowing of the paper consistent with age and exposure to light.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
The 'E.A.' (Artist's Proof) marking indicates this was part of the artist's personal distribution outside the numbered commercial edition. Likely acquired via a private gallery or estate sale.
Art Historical Significance
Charles Lapicque was a significant figure in the French post-war art scene, known for his research into color theory and his ability to bridge figurative subjects with abstract space. This work is representative of his obsession with movement and sport.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature 'Lapicque' and the 'E.A.' designation in pencil or plate. The frame is a decorative gilded molding with a beaded inner edge, typical of mid-20th-century residential framing.
Condition Issues
Visible paper discoloration (oxidation) across the sheet; potential light staining. Slight undulation of the paper support within the frame suggest it may not be mounted to archival standards.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free matting and UV-protective glazing to prevent further paper degradation and color fading. A light surface cleaning by a paper conservator could address the toning.