'The Parade Ring at the Races' by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s)

'The Parade Ring at the Races', gouache and pastel on art paper, by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s). The Parade Ring, otherwise known as the paddock, is the place horses walk around in preparation of meeting their jockeys and is a chance for racegoers to see them close-up before the race. A recurring theme in Empi's work comes from his love of the horse races - the colours, the crowds and of course the horses all figure in this vibrant work. In this piece the jockeys have mounted their horses before the race while elsewhere, their owners and trainers look nervously on. It's a beautiful blustery day at perhaps, Longchamp in Paris. This is a stunning work by an artist of high regard. In very good condition - newly framed. Signed: 'Maurice Empi' in the lower right hand corner. Upon request a video of the artwork may be provided.

About the Artist: Maurice Empi was born in Saint Etienne in the Loire Valley in France in 1933. In 1949 he enrolled in the 'Ecole Technique Supérieur de Art et Publicité' in Montparnasse, Paris. His professor and friend, Marcel Basler, also an artist, convinced him to abandon his studies in advertising and graphic design to dedicate his life to art. He's never looked back. His first private exhibition was held in Paris in 1953 and his reputation quickly propelled his work overseas to Stockholm in 1955, London in 1959 and Nagoya and Tokyo in 1971. His works are decidedly collectible and increasing in value as he approaches his mid-eighties. Empi's works have been sold at major auction houses worldwide and held in many civic and private collections. His painting themes feature views of Paris and Venice, horse racing, sailing regattas, musicians and their orchestras and French cafés. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 34 cm / 13.4"

W 41 cm / 16.1"

Dimensions without frame:

H 23 cm / 9.1"

W 30.5 cm / 12"