74 SIDELINES OCTOBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Visitors can enjoy a getaway at Marie-Christine’s castle in France, the
Chateau de Parthey.
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Artist Profile
Marie-Christine Maitre de Tarragon
Tryon, North Carolina
Type of artist: Sculptor and Painter - Website:
Born in Burgundy, France, Marie-Christine Maitre de Tarragon has art
in her blood. Her great grandfather, grandmother and uncle all studied art
and she followed in their footsteps while growing up in the family’s castle,
the Chateau de Parthey in France. Marie-Christine also comes from a
family of “horse people” and when she moved to America she trained and
rode steeplechasers and racing Quarter Horses. Today, she continues
her passion with horses by training reining horses and creating beautiful
equine sculptures and paintings.
Marie-Christine in her studio, with a bronze she is working on and a
painting of her castle in the background.
Photo by Trinity Allan
“Bucephalus”
– Bronze
sculpture.
What is your castle in France, the Chateau de Parthey, like?
The castle has been in my family since 1385 and it’s a historical
monument. I have spent many years working on restoring it. I now split
my time between the Chateau de Parthey and my horse farm near Tryon,
North Carolina.
Can others visit the castle?
Through the Parthey Foundation, we offer guests the chance to enjoy
a cultural experience at our castle, near the mediaeval village of Dole.
Participants stay in the chateau and enjoy being immersed in the history
and culture of our deep family roots. It is a wonderful place to come to
paint, enjoy art and food. We try and make it an experience that you won’t
get anywhere else.
What inspires you in your equine sculptures?
I want to convey the power and grace of horses who have enriched
civilization from battlefield to conquests and discoveries. Horses always
add elegance and brilliance to the great moments in history. They are the
ones who truly give us our nobility titles.
“Portrait of Tennessee” –
Bronze sculpture.
“A Heart of Gold” –
Bronze sculpture.
