Auguste Vimar (XX) - Écurie

Auguste Vimar (1851-1916)
Stable – Horses returning in front of the stable
Circa 1895

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

The composition shows several horses seen from behind, accompanied by a groom, in front of a monumental rural building. The sky with gray, pink, and orange tones lends the scene a particularly evocative twilight atmosphere.

The work is signed at the bottom left.

Auguste Vimar, full name 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, notably horses, dogs, and equestrian scenes.

Because the work is not dated, a circa 1895 date is proposed for guidance, considering its style, technique, and the artist’s period of activity.

For historical context, Auguste Vimar presented a painting entitled “Interior of a Stable” at an exhibition 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 on photographs by a French auction house specializing in equestrian art.

Back of the panel

The reverse side presents several interesting antique elements:

- inscriptions and old pencil annotations;
- partially erased dedication that is difficult to decipher;
- drawings and early graphic exercises;
- old inventory stamp bearing the number “1”;
- framing and art dealer label from Marseille:

Carlos Braun
Framing & Art Editions
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 wooden and gilt stucco frame, Rococo style, with rich decoration of foliage, scrolls, and shells.

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

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

Condition
The painting is in good overall condition for its age. It shows an old varnish, light surface soiling, and some normal signs of use.
No recent restoration has been undertaken.

The frame has several small faults 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 for the frame and corners, then shipped with tracking and insurance.