Daily scene in an Alpine village by Albert Lugardon

By Albert Lugardon

370

USD US DOLLAR

Country of origin:

France

Medium:

Oil on wood

Signed:

Signed lower left

Dated:

19th Century

Condition:

Very good original condition

Size:

111.06" x 6.3" (28 cm x 16 cm)

Provenance:

Private french collection

Other Artworks

Description

The eye is immediately drawn by a white horse in the lower center of the painting. It stands out with its rider against a dark grey at the bottom of the painting and a light building at its back. Here, only a part of the horse’s rump is truly white.

The eye, then, is taken on the top of the pointed roof, where a second true white point is, as if some snow remains here. Our eye is going above this point, toward mountains standing in the distance. 

A bright green tree stands on the left of the painting to contrast and balance with the red brick barn-like building on the right. 

Then, we start noticing the various characters in the painting, starting with a couple discussing with the white horse rider. Like the horse rider, they are painted with some details. The other characters, kids under the tree, a mom and her child coming out of the brick building, a couple at the window of the pointed roof house, and two other village people busy with their own activities, are drawn with much less detail.

All the colors are soft, and the lines are subtle. 

The painting is built like a picture taken at a precise moment in the village square, as you can feel the characters are in movement, frozen on the canvas. A. Lugardon’s passion for photography and research for instant photos can be seen in the organization of this scene.

Artist biography

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Stanislas Lépine (1835-1892) was a French painter best known for his exquisite landscapes and urban scenes, particularly those depicting Paris. Born in Caen, France, Lépine moved to Paris in his youth, where he was deeply influenced by the city’s vibrant art scene. Although often associated with the Impressionists, Lépine’s work stands out for its unique focus on serene and understated scenes, characterized by a delicate use of light and a soft palette.

Lépine studied under Camille Corot, one of the great landscape painters of the 19th century, which helped him refine his attention to natural light and detail. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Lépine preferred quiet, less populated areas of Paris, such as the banks of the Seine, the streets of Montmartre, and views of suburban landscapes. His works often feature tranquil riversides, bridges, and the subtle charm of Parisian life, captured with a gentle and contemplative brushstroke.

Despite his talent, Lépine remained relatively unknown during his lifetime, as he avoided the limelight and commercial success. His dedication to his craft, however, earned him the respect of his peers, and his work is now recognized for its contribution to the transition from traditional landscape painting to the modern techniques of the Impressionists.

Today, Stanislas Lépine’s paintings are held in high esteem and can be found in prestigious collections, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and the National Gallery in London. His legacy as a painter of quiet beauty and refined simplicity continues to inspire art lovers around the world.


Stanislas Lépine’s works can be found in several prestigious museums around the world. Here’s a list of some notable museums where his paintings are housed:

  1. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France

    • The Musée d’Orsay holds several of Lépine’s works, showcasing his Parisian landscapes and serene river scenes.
  2. National Gallery, London, United Kingdom

    • The National Gallery features Lépine’s works, particularly those depicting the tranquil urban life of Paris.
  3. Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

    • Some of Lépine’s pieces can be found in the Musée du Louvre’s collection, highlighting his connection to the Parisian art scene.
  4. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

    • The Met houses a selection of Lépine’s paintings, reflecting his influence on the broader art movements of his time.
  5. Musée Carnavalet, Paris, France

    • Dedicated to the history of Paris, the Musée Carnavalet includes Lépine’s works, capturing the essence of 19th-century Paris.
  6. Petit Palais, Paris, France

    • The Petit Palais displays some of Lépine’s works, focusing on his contribution to the depiction of Parisian life.
  7. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA

    • The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston also holds examples of Lépine’s serene urban and rural landscapes.
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