Alexis Nys, 19th-century Study of a Warrior, Male Nude

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

An action-packed study of a warrior with a winged helmet by Belgian artist, Alexis Nys (1844-1926). He appears to be on horseback with the reigns in his left hand and a weapon in his right. Nys probably completed this study during his time at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels where he trained between 1859 and 1873. He was an accomplished artist and exhibited widely including at the Prix de Rome and the Salon Triennal des Beaux-Arts.

In this piece, the winged helmet could be signifying a reference to the Celts or the barbarians. It’s unlikely to be Hermes, the ancient Greek god, as he’s not usually depicted with a shield.

The painting is housed within a sturdy vintage wooden frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 23” x 29” / 59cm x 74cm

Year of creation: c. 1870

Provenance: Belgium

Condition: In its original untouched condition. The canvas was probably tucked away in a portfolio before being attached to its stretcher. As such, it has some wrinkles and undulations. There’s also craquelure in areas but the paint layer is stable.

Artist’s auction highlight: £6,105 achieved for ‘Côte hollandaise, Katwijk’ at Christie’s in 2013.

Physical Dimensions

Height

74cm (29.13")

Width

59cm (23.23")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA730660

Description

An action-packed study of a warrior with a winged helmet by Belgian artist, Alexis Nys (1844-1926). He appears to be on horseback with the reigns in his left hand and a weapon in his right.

“

Nys probably completed this study during his time at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels where he trained between 1859 and 1873.

Brave Fine Art

He was an accomplished artist and exhibited widely including at the Prix de Rome and the Salon Triennal des Beaux-Arts.

fig 1. Alexis Nys, 19th-Century Study Of A Warrior, Male Nude — fig 1. Alexis Nys, 19th-century Study of a Warrior, Male Nude

In this piece, the winged helmet could be signifying a reference to the Celts or the barbarians. It’s unlikely to be Hermes, the ancient Greek god, as he’s not usually depicted with a shield.

The painting is housed within a sturdy vintage wooden frame.

fig 2. Alexis Nys, 19th-Century Study Of A Warrior, Male Nude — fig 2. Alexis Nys, 19th-century Study of a Warrior, Male Nude

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 23” x 29” / 59cm x 74cm

Year of creation: c. 1870

Provenance: Belgium

Condition: In its original untouched condition. The canvas was probably tucked away in a portfolio before being attached to its stretcher. As such, it has some wrinkles and undulations. There’s also craquelure in areas but the paint layer is stable.

Artist’s auction highlight: £6,105 achieved for ‘Côte hollandaise, Katwijk’ at Christie’s in 2013.