Old painting oil painting French Barbizon school Harpignies Mill 19th century

  
Hello, I am selling this painting with decidedly impressionist tones. It is a superb oil on canvas measuring 32 cm by 48 cm without the frame, 44 cm by 64 cm with the frame, painted by the French painter J. Edward Lacoste (signature at the bottom right), whose period of activity spans between the late 19th century and the early 20th century.

Research on the internet highlights his various other activities: illustrator of books and postcards, poster artist, and even a teacher at the Bordeaux Academy of Fine Arts. To my knowledge, only one participation as an illustrator for the book "Mademoiselle Jaufre" from 1905 (last photos) has been documented, none for any posters, while his paintings that can be listed can be counted on one hand, however most have already been sold; thus, two of his portraits, including a self-portrait, have been offered for sale on other websites before finding a buyer. Another composition, more particular as it was conceived as part of a public commission, also came to life thanks to the artist; it is a gigantic painting destined to remain in the Mauvezin castle in Occitanie, representing the reception held in 1907 when the medieval building passed into the hands of the city hall, threatened shortly before being completely devoured as its stones were taken for other uses; the castle had become a quarry. Photos of these three compositions can be found in the section specially dedicated to them.

The painting in my possession, titled "The Néris Mill" on the back (probably near Néris-les-Bains, in Auvergne), depicts a valley landscape where particular attention was paid to the work on the light, illuminating, at the peak of its intensity, the trees overlooking the hamlet, dotting the main path with some light halos, flowing behind a house to stretch into an increasingly wider streak, lighting up a portion of what looks like a large vegetable garden. The shadow cast by the slope and the different buildings, the horizon as a point of perspective, the busy washerwoman, and the flock of geese preparing to enter the path bring the ideal contrasts, both in terms of shades and dynamism in this peaceful setting where a river flows, and demonstrate, in the quality of their execution and meticulousness, the extent of the painter's talent and mastery. The composition, which seems to have been painted on a very sturdy linen canvas, is in excellent condition, with discreet signs of wear here and there and barely a few fine cracks on the right side, on a tree. I have not noticed any signs of restoration. The frame, on the other hand, is in very good aesthetic condition, with only a few small missing parts on the outer edge, and slight signs of wear here and there. The second photo is the most faithful to the actual colors in good weather. Attention collectors, people attracted to vintage items, curiosities, decorative objects, or simply admirers of their intrinsic beauty! It's a great gift idea. The shipment will be made as soon as possible, with seriousness, unless you prefer a hand delivery, which is entirely possible if you make the trip. WARNING: All my shipments include insurance proportional to the value of the item. Therefore, in order for it to be taken into account, if the cardboard box is (sufficiently) damaged, you must refuse the package from the personnel at the pick-up point or the delivery person, depending on the chosen method of shipment, before they scan the shipping label or perform any other operation to confirm that you have received the package; therefore, make sure to check the condition of the box thoroughly, not omitting any area, before they act. If you refuse the package, it will be kept by the pick-up point or the delivery person in order to be returned to me, for the delivery service to verify the responsibility of the delivery person and make the insurance effective (information gathered from the Mondial Relay and La Poste websites).

If the delivery is made to your mailbox because the package dimensions allow it, without a hand delivery, with La Poste, and the box is damaged, you must bring it back to the nearest post office without opening it. Please note that in all these cases, you may think, for any reason, that the item inside the box remains in perfect condition and therefore accept the package - or not go to the nearest post office -, but delivery services count on human error, which suits them well since, as I repeat, the insurance is then no longer effective due to damage; less expenses for them! Also, do not rely on shaking the package to determine if the item is broken; unless it is made of glass or ceramics, the sound of breakage is imperceptible. If you have any questions or would like more photos, please do not hesitate to let me know.