Oil on panel
France, 1890
Maurice Leloir (1853-1940) – French painter and illustrator
Signed and dated lower left ‘Maurice Leloir 1890’
Verso embossed on the panel ‘Tachet Brevete A Paris‘
Dimensions: 55 x 46 cm
Good condition
Maurice Leloir’s high-quality paintings captivate through accuracy and great attention to details; the auction record for a large-scale composition by the artist currently sets at €484.000

The present painting is an impressive example of the artistic output by Maurice Leloir. It depicts a private library scene and assembles a young married couple and a French officer around a table. The quality of the painting lies in the excellent description of the scenery and the portrait-like facial features of the sitters that may compete with a photography. Furthermore, it may be mentioned that Leloir was very passionate about costumes. His extensive knowledge about different materials and textures has obviously also influenced the clothing of the sitters here, as their surfaces reveal an impressive sense of materiality achieved by a fine play of light and shadow.



The painting is signed and dated lower left ‘Maurice Leloir 1890’. The panel is verso embossed ‘Tachet Brevete A Paris‘. The painting is in good overall condition considering the age. There are small scattered areas of retouching and a few tiny abrasions throughout. The paint surface is slightly affected by fine tension cracks and scratches. The size of the panel is 55 x 46 cm.



Maurice Leloir (1853-1940)

Born in Paris, Maurice Leloir was raised in an artist’s family. He therefore received his first artistic training under his father’s guidance. Active as an incredibly successful illustrator, Leloir was asked to illustrate works by famous writers such as Rousseau, Moliere and Balzac. Watercolor was another field of his proficiency; accordingly, he was elected president of the French Watercolor Society. Besides, Leloir was an expert in costumes and published ‘The Dictionary of Costume’ in 1906. Later, in 1929, he followed an invitation to work as a movie art advisor in America. Works by Maurice Leloir are very sought-after collectable items and obtain high prices on the international art market. (cbo)

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