Lot Essay
Written by Walter Scott and published in 1823, Quentin Durward is the story of a young Scottish archer who journeys to France and upon meeting Louis XI enters the service of the monarch.
The novel was immensely popular in both France and Britain. Gechter depicts the moment when Durward saves Louis whilst out hunting. Louis has dismounted to attack the boar, but slips in the mud. Durward, responding to the call of Louis' hunting horn, is on hand to spear the boar, thus winning Louis' favour. The chivalric theme and medieval setting perfectly suited Gechter's oeuvre and exemplifies his skill at portraying subjects depicting struggling figures and animals.
The novel was immensely popular in both France and Britain. Gechter depicts the moment when Durward saves Louis whilst out hunting. Louis has dismounted to attack the boar, but slips in the mud. Durward, responding to the call of Louis' hunting horn, is on hand to spear the boar, thus winning Louis' favour. The chivalric theme and medieval setting perfectly suited Gechter's oeuvre and exemplifies his skill at portraying subjects depicting struggling figures and animals.