A forest landscape. Oil on canvas, signed in the lower left corner, the canvas size 16-3/4" x 28", framed in a wide ornate gilt frame measuring overall 26-1/4" x 37-1/2". There is an older slat of wood evidently planed from the original stretchers when the relining was done which is tacked to the back of the new stretcher bar. "G & C 5980" is stenciled on it. A dramatic scene of the light breaking over a glade, seen from the dimness of the surrounding forest. The figure of a woman carrying kindling is indicated at the left edge of a pond in the foreground in which the blue sky and clouds are reflected. This composition has all of the finest characteristics highly prized in Barbizon School (1830-1870) paintings. Prov: held in a private collection in Cleveland, Ohio for approx. 30 years. This painting has been approved as authentic by Mme. Rolande Miquel, who is compiling the revision of the catalog raisonne. This painting will be included in that supplement. The letter from Mme. Miquel will accompany the lot.
The Barbizon School was so named for the town near the forest of Fountainbleau, where painters of the era pursued an artistic departure from the romantic realism that had long dominated the salons. Nature as the subject became the most important theme rather than any other form of narrative. The somewhat brooding appearance of Fountainbleau captivated many painters providing them with the perfect format of expression.
15,000/25,000 Sold $17,825.00
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