Julius von BLAAS (1845-1923)

At The Gallops

circa 1905

oil on canvas

Signed and dated “Julius von Blass / 1905” (lower left)

110 x 200 cm (140 x 230 cm framed)

This grand depiction of horses exercising is an iconic image not only of the Edwardian era but also of today’s racing elite.

Julius von Blaas was taught by his father Carl von Blaas (1815-1994) and trained in Venice, Florence and Rome. He was also influenced by his celebrated brother Eugen von Blaas (1843-1931). Julius von Blaas became a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and is especially admired for his equestrian portraits, though, as is the case in this painting, he would sometimes combine the horses with other subjects. In the present painting, he merged his favorite animals with a poignant contemporary theme.