AUGUSTE DOVIANE Italian, 1825–1887 Military Figure Study with Officer and Mounted Attendant Mixed media: pencil, watercolor and ink Unsigned and undated artwork depicting a uniformed officer standing in profile, holding a lance or pike, dressed in a striking red coat trimmed with gold, blue breeches, and a plumed tricorn hat, with a white sash and lace jabot completing his formal military attire. In the background, a second figure in pink, seated on horseback, is rendered in a lighter alongside the loose outline of a campaign tent, suggesting a military encampment setting. Verso documentation includes a handwritten note on the artist and a German-language certificate of authenticity from Antiquariat Ralf Benkert. Framed. Not examined out of frame. Sight (as matted): 6 x 4.5 inches; frame: 10 x 8 inches $200-300
ARTIST PROFILE: Auguste (Viande) Doviane (1825–1887): Born in Rome in 1825, Doviane was a military painter who, according to the label accompanying this work, served in the French military up to the rank of major before turning to painting full-time, later becoming a drawing master at the art school in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He is noted for producing numerous military paintings, along with a small number of romantic scenes and seascapes, in a style comparable to painters such as Gudin and Boudin.
