This early 20th-century oil painting by French artist Eugène Galien-Laloue (1854-1941) depicts a river view with cottage and boats.
An expansive river shimmers with silvery light derived from a near-white horizon, backlit by a low sun. While nearby boats rest on a rugged bank, perhaps used as barges.
In the foreground, the foliage is a peppering of low-key daubs in green and brown. Gradually guiding the eye towards the spindly branches of a towering tree. A woman leaves the cottage.
Galien-Laloue was a remarkable artist who exhibited regularly at the illustrious Paris Salon. Known for his peculiar personality, he’d squirrel himself away in a reclusive fashion, immersed in his art. And despite his success, he lived a monastic life devoid of worldly pleasures. It’s also said that he wasn’t particularly keen on dragging his boots through muddy fields and forests, although he did, indeed, paint en plein air.
His passion was for the process of art in general - the application of paint, the skill of composition, and the deft marks which elevate a view. Note how he’s rendered the reflections in the water - with complete mastery of his medium.
Signed/dated lower left (one of his many pseudonyms) and held within a splendid gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 30½” x 25” / 77cm x 52cm
Year of creation: c. 1920
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £96,866
Eugène Galien-Laloue was predominantly self-taught. He exhibited extensively including at the Salon des Artistes Français in Paris and he’s represented at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Louvier, Musée des Beaux-Arts, La Rochelle, and at Mulhouse, France.
Learn more about Eugène Galien-Laloue in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
