Framed Lithograph of the original water colour painting titled Le Poney, cataloged as Inv. MCR 104 on page 55 of Marie-Christine Renauld’s cabinet raisonne L’univers d’Alfred de Dreux, 1810–1860. Published in Paris by Goupil et Vibert under the title “Motifs Equestres d’apres Alfred de Dreux” and hand coloured by Loeillot et Ciceri.
The original piece is a significant work by the French artist Alfred de Dreux and is dated between 1840 and 1841. It exemplifies de Dreux’s mastery in equestrian portraiture and his keen observation of animal subjects.
Goupil et Vibert was a prominent lithographic printing firm in Paris, active during the 19th century. The company played a significant role in the production of lithographs and was well known for its high-quality reproductions of artworks by various artists of the period. Lithography was a popular printing technique in the 19th century, as it allowed for the reproduction of fine art on a large scale, making artworks more accessible to the public and collectors. Goupil et Vibert specialized in creating lithographs that reproduced famous works, including paintings by renowned artists. Eugène Ciceri (1813–1890) was a well-known French artist who worked primarily in the fields of theatre design, painting, and lithography.
He was especially famous for his theatrical and costume designs. Ciceri was an official artist for the Opéra de Paris and became a prominent figure in the world of stage design and artistic direction. Ciceri worked for the Paris Opéra and was involved in designing sets and costumes for various performances, including ballets and operas. In addition to his stage design work, he also created lithographs and was known for his depictions of French society, including portraits and scenes from everyday life. His involvement in lithography helped to popularize his works beyond the theater. Loeillot would have worked with the lithographer responsible for the printing process, and Ciceri, as the artist. The colored lithographs produced by this duo were often of high quality and contributed to the dissemination of art to a broader public in 19th-century France. Their work together is a reflection of the close relationship between artists, printers, and lithographers during this period, where collaboration was essential for the reproduction and commercial success of artworks.
