Jules Adolphe Aime Louis Breton (1827 - 1906) France
Oil on Canvas
Measure 15 1/2"in H x 11 1/2"in W and 21 3/4"in H x 18"in W with frame
Known for: Peasant genre and figure painting
Biography: Breton was born on May 1, 1827 to a prominent family in the small village of Courrières in the Artois region of northern France. Although his mother died when Jules was only four, he grew up in a carefree and happy environment, with much of his time spent playing in the gardens and fields with the children of the village peasants. It is believed such early experiences led to his artistic passion for the subject matter of rural peasant life. At the age of ten, Breton was sent to school at a Catholic seminary, and three years later to the college of Douai, where he received a classical education. It was his first opportunity to study drawing. In the summer of 1843, he so impressed the Belgian artist, Felix de Vigne with his portraits and sketches after nature that the artist invited Breton to study with him in his studio as well as at the Royal Academy in Ghent. It was during this time that Breton honed his skill as a draughtsman. Each year at the Salon his images of gleaners, harvesters and peasant women helped establish his reputation as the foremost painter of rural life. Along with several first class medals and, in 1872, the Medal of Honor, he was named a Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur in 1861, and in 1867 he was promoted to officer of the same order. His election to the Institut de France in 1886 solidified his status as one of the most respected painters of his day. This was the same year in which his painting, The Communicants, which sold at auction in New York for $45,000—the highest price paid for the work of a living artist with the exception of a painting by Meissonier. Throughout his career, which spanned nearly sixty years, Breton painted with an idealistic vision of the beauty and harmony of the peasant laborer working the land. In tune with these thoughts, he lived a life of sober regularity - sure and balanced without serious conflict or great difficulty. His later years were spent balancing time between the busy energetic life of Paris and the tranquility and serenity of Courrières, where he worked in a garden studio at the family brewery. Breton died in Paris on July 4, 1906.
Condition
Important Message Regarding Payments : All invoices that exceed the amount of $ 2000 including the buyer premium, must make the payment through check or wire transfer, if we receive the payment through the platform, the money will be reimbursed automatically to your card
Coral Gables Auction strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder
Statements by Coral Gables Auction regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only And should Not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do Not constitute a representation, warranty, Or assumption of liability by Coral Gables Auction
All lots offered are sold "As Is"
For condition report please contact our auction house via email info.coralgablesauction@yahoo.com