A MYSTERY for Art-Day…

with 11 Comments

For decades I have owned the two black and white prints you see below. They were purchased from a secondhand store in Melbourne in the 1970’s. I never knew their origin though I did find out several things. Firstly they are not uncommon many people own these prints and treasure them as much as I do. I was also told that possibly as far back as the 1930’s such prints were redeemable from Newspaper companies by sending coupons cut-out of their local papers. Also I remember these prints being on the wall of the Australian Television show ‘The Sullivans’. This show was set in the middle 1940’s.
Here are the black and white prints….

The next part of the story adds an interesting twist!  After receiving a copy of the fantastic book Asil Arabians The Noble Arabian Horses  I came across a painting right at the back of the book by Alfred de Dreux titled La Lutte 1859 from the Dr. Thieme collection. This painting is possibly the original painting that may have been copied by another artist for the prints?  There are differences though very similar.  It would be really interesting to be able to find out more! 

Below is Alfred de Dreux’s La Lutte

11 Responses

  1. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Carmel Rowley, Carmel Rowley. Carmel Rowley said: A MYSTERY for Art-Day… http://t.co/6rWJ25B via @CarmelLRowley […]

  2. vickie
    | Reply

    do you know if these prints are valuable now? My Aunt has just brought one of them so we were just wondering. They are very beautiful horses. Thanks Vickie

    • Carmel
      | Reply

      Hi Vickie, Sadly the prints are not valuable but they are beautiful for your aunt to have on her wall. I have always loved mine and they remind me of my grandmother. Nice to see you here. Carmel

  3. Gary
    | Reply

    I have an original chalk painting of the second group of Arabian horses, this was done by my grand father and signed and dated.

    Where do I take this to determine worth and authenticity.

    Please respond.

    Gary

  4. Carmel
    | Reply

    Dear Gary,

    I think it would be worth having a search through your Telephone Books to see if there is anyone listed who might be able to help you. Of course, there is the Internet but I seemed to go around in circles when I was trying to find out about the b/w prints above. A friend actually knew a little about them.
    It might take some detective work on your part but what a marvellous piece of art to own. Art Galleries may have someone that could help you or give a lead as to who to see and where to go for more advice.

    Apologies for not being able to help further and wishing you every success. Look forward to hearing how you go if you have time.

    Carmel

  5. donna collier
    | Reply

    I also have these two prints. They belonged to my grandparents. I remember them on their wall in the 1960’s, in New Zealand, and I now have them. I have since had them reframed. Can’t find any info about them at all

    • Carmel
      | Reply

      Maybe one of these days Donna we may find out the actual story behind the prints. I guess in the meantime we all have to simply enjoy them and going by the people who have posted it’s exactly the case. it was really lovely to hear from you. Kindest regards Carmel

      • Kylie
        | Reply

        My mum has 2 of these, apparently the 3rd pic cant b found but its the 2 horses running from a fire the stallion bites her neck so she bleeds out so she doesnt perish in the fire ( thats the story she wastold by family)

        • Carmel
          | Reply

          Hi Kylie, Your family could be correct as the stallion and mare prints on my wall are staring at some lightning in the top left hand corner and in the second print running away. Thanks so much for sharing this. Kind regards Carmel

  6. Debi McCormick
    | Reply

    Hi Carmel,
    I’m interested in getting the book Arabians Nobel Arabian Horses – Some of the books I’ve found have V and VI in the title. Is it one of them?
    I’m interested in the La Lutte print. I have the black and white of the Horses running to the right. As I understand, that print is in the book. Correct?
    I would appreciate any additional information you have on the print and an websites that may be helpful. Thank you! Debi

    • Carmel
      | Reply

      Hi Debi,
      The book you mention ASIL ARABIANS – The Noble Arabian Horses does not appear to have a number. I have it beside me and it has a black dust cover with the Pharaohs Horses painting by John F. Herring in the center. At the top in German and blue print ‘Arabians edie Pferd’ and ASIL ARABER in capitals and white. Below the image in English ASIL ARABIANS and below The Noble Arabian Horse in orange print. The amazing La Lutte painting 1859 by my all time favourite painter Alfred De Dreux is on page 967 of the listed page count of 975. It’s a BIG heavy book but one worth having even for the incredible art alone.
      The image in the book being a De Dreux is far more detailed and intricate than the black and white prints and I suspect the black and white print was some type of copy. I also have the black and white horses standing together staring up at a cloud with a lightning bolt coming from it.
      I still wonder if there may have been two more prints so all together they represent the 4 seasons. Just one of my whims though I have never come across any others. I’m not sure if you can actually get prints of De Dreux’s La Lutte also the black and white prints are hard to find. So treasure your copy.
      It’s worth doing a search of art websites and you could try – Affordable Horse Prints for sale at AllPosters.com
      <https://www.allposters.com/-st/Horse-Posters_c1620_.htm?page=3“>
      You may be able to find a copy of the ASIL book on one of the Facebook Arabian horse books pages. Postage would be expensive but as I said above it’s worth it. I’m not sure what they are selling for at present.
      I wish I was more help but it’s fun searching.
      Always kindest regards
      Carmel

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