This mid-19th-century oil painting by French artist Louis Paul Pierre Dumont (1822-1885) depicts a coastal view with distant boats, figures and buildings. It’s reminiscent of Normandy.
The tempestuous sea, where full-rigged ships battle the elements, rolls its breakers over a sandy beach. Promenading crowds look on, gathering by shop fronts eager for passing trade. Two upstanding ladies clutch parasols. Old friends with long stories catch up on the shingle.
Dumont is primarily known for his exquisite engravings, yet also exhibited numerous paintings at the Paris Salon. His works in oil often carry a light-hearted, almost playful, quality. He painted here numerous times and his joy for this particular environment is clear to see. Perhaps he spent time in a hotel on the main thoroughfare.
Signed lower right and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 35½” x 25½” / 90cm x 65cm
Year of creation: c. 1870
Labels & Inscriptions: Old exhibition label on the reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Three patched repairs. Frame with some light wear.
Louis Paul Pierre Dumont was an accomplished French engraver and painter who is predominantly known for his wood engravings after eminent contemporaries including Gustave Doré. He also produced numerous woodcuts for newspapers such as L'Illustration, Le Journal Illustré and Le Voleur. He exhibited several times at the Paris Salon and he’s represented at The Met in New York. The artist Henri Courselles-Dumont (1856-1918) was his son.
Learn more about Louis Paul Pierre Dumont 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.
