Old painting: Oil painting French School of Barbizon Harpignies Moulin 19th century

  

Hello, I am selling this painting with resolutely impressionist tones. It is a superb oil on canvas measuring 32 cm in height by 48 cm in width without the frame, 44 cm by 64 cm with the frame, created by the hand of the French painter J. Edward Lacoste (signature at the bottom right), whose period of activity spans from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Research on the internet highlights the various other activities he had, such as book and postcard illustrator, poster artist, and even a teacher for the Bordeaux Academy of Fine Arts. To my knowledge, only one participation as a book illustrator is known, for Mademoiselle Jaufre, 1905 version (last photos), none for any posters, while the paintings that can be listed are few, most of which have already been sold; 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, was also created by the artist; a gigantic painting intended to remain in the Mauvezin castle, in Occitanie, representing the reception that took place in 1907 when the medieval building passed into the hands of the town 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 "Le moulin de Néris" on the back (probably near Néris-les-Bains, in Auvergne), depicts a valley landscape where particular attention has been paid to the work on light, illuminating, at the peak of its intensity, the trees overlooking the hamlet, sprinkling the main path with some light halos, flowing behind a house to stretch into an increasingly wide streak, illuminating a part of what looks like a large vegetable garden. The shadow cast by the slope and the various buildings, the horizon as a point of perspective, the busy washerwoman and the flock of geese about to enter the path, bring ideal contrasts, both in terms of nuances and dynamism in this peaceful setting where a river flows, and demonstrate, in the quality of their execution and meticulousness, the full extent of the painter's talent and mastery. The composition, which seems to have been painted on a very sturdy linen canvas, is in superb 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 identified any signs of restoration. The frame, on the other hand, is in very good aesthetic condition, only a few small defects on the outer border, and light signs of wear here and there, are to be deplored. 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 is (sufficiently) damaged, it is imperative that you refuse the package with the staff at the pick-up point or with the delivery person, depending on the chosen shipping method, 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 cardboard thoroughly, without omitting any areas, before they act.

If you refuse to accept the package, it will be kept by the pick-up point or the delivery person to be returned to me, for a verification of the delivery service in order to report the responsibility of the carrier and make the insurance effective (information gleaned from the Mondial Relay and La Poste websites). If the delivery is made to your mailbox because the dimensions of the package allow it, without a hand delivery, with La Poste, and the cardboard is damaged, you must return it 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 cardboard remains in perfect condition and therefore accept the package - or not go to the nearest post office -, but the delivery services rely on the margin of error, which suits them well since, as I mentioned, the insurance is then no longer effective due to damage; less expenses for them! And do not rely on shaking the package to determine if the item is broken; unless it is glass or ceramic, the sound of breakage is imperceptible. If you have any questions or would like more photos, feel free to let me know.