Search for the Ford, The

Early 20th century semi-interlocking wooden jigsaw puzzle featuring a fine military painting by the French artist Alphonse de Neuville (1835-1885), originally entitled "à la recherche d'un gué".

The solid wood backing to the puzzle, coupled with its box cover label help to put this in the 1907-1910 manufacturing era. As with other examples from this early period of the Company's puzzle production, the colour line-cutting utilised is not as widespread as in later puzzles and is also rather less accurate in its definition.

The artist studied under Delacroix and became renowned for his superb military studies captured during the Crimean and Italian wars of 1859 and the Franco Prussian war of 1870. I believe that the latter is represented in this painting, thought to depict Prussian lancers searching for a point of safe crossing.

Images and details courtesy of Margot Stulemeijer

Artist: de Neuville, A
Date: c1907-1910
Brand: Holtzapffel
Material: Solid wood
Nationality: British-England
Pieces: 401
Size: 33.2 cm x 50.8 cm (13" x 20")
Theme: Military
Title: Search for the Ford, The