French artist Rosa Bonheur used palpably intense action and crackling energy to capture equine power, grace and majesty in “The Horse Fair.” Measuring a monumental 16 ft. by 8 ft., the original was created from sketches Bonheur (1822 – 1899) made during visits to Paris’s horse market. For 2½ years, she went to the market twice a week, disguising herself as a man to elude attention. The humans in the painting were only given perfunctory portrayal, which was typical of Bonheur’s art. Her most acclaimed work, this piece was greatly admired by Queen Victoria and is now displayed in New York’s Metropolitan Museum.

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