Auguste Vimar (XX) - Écurie

Auguste Vimar (1851-1916)
Stables – Horses back in front of the stable
Around 1895

Oil on panel representing a group of horses gathered in front of a vast stable, in late-day light.

The composition shows several horses viewed from behind, accompanied by a groom, before a monumental rural building. The sky with grey, pink and orange tones lends the scene a particularly evocative twilight atmosphere.

The work is signed at the bottom left.

Auguste Vimar, whose full name is Nicolas-Stanislas-Auguste Vimar, was a French painter, draftsman, illustrator and animal sculptor born in Marseille in 1851 and died in 1916. He is mainly known for his representations of animals, particularly horses, dogs and stable scenes.

Since the work is undated, a realization around 1895 is suggested for guidance, given its style, technique and the artist’s period of activity.

As historical context, Auguste Vimar exhibited a painting titled “Interior of a Stable” at an exhibition held in Marseille in 1895. No direct link is claimed between this exhibited work and the present panel.

The authenticity of the work as a painting by Auguste Vimar has been confirmed from photographs by a French auction house specializing in equestrian art.

Back of the panel

The reverse presents several interesting old elements:

- inscriptions and old pencil annotations;
- a partially erased dedication that is difficult to decipher;
- drawings and old graphic exercises;
- an old inventory stamp bearing the number “1”;
- label of the framer and Marseille art publisher:

Carlos Braun
Encadrements & Éditions d’Art
32, rue Grignan – Marseille

These elements have been left in their original state. The reverse inscriptions have not been cleaned, retouched or altered.

Framing

The painting is presented in an imposing antique frame in gilded wood and stucco, Rococo style, with rich ornamentation of foliage, volutes and shells.

The frame shows a beautiful aged patina as well as various flaws, cracks, wear and losses of gilding or decoration, particularly in the corners. All defects are visible in the photographs and contribute to the antique character of the whole.

Dimensions

- Painted panel: 22 × 16 cm
- Overall dimensions with the frame: 35 × 28 cm

Condition

The painting is in good overall condition considering its age. It presents an old varnish, slight surface grime and some normal signs of use.

No recent restoration has been undertaken.

The frame shows several small defects and losses visible. It is sold with the work and as is.

Provenance

Private collection, Saint-Aygulf, Var.
Acquired at a French public sale in 2026.

The work will be carefully packed, with reinforced protection of the frame and corners, then shipped with tracking and insurance.