Alexandre-désiré Collette, Allegory Of The Night, Circa 1850 (sold As A Pair)

the price is for the pair, see the same painter's Allegory of the Day, as a counterpart.

Alexandre Désiré Collette, Allégorie de la Nuit, oil painting on mahogany panel, ca. 1850, monogram "A.C."

A charming subject whose style takes us back to the brilliant 18th century, the two allegories of Day and Night are very accomplished works. The touch is inventive, vigorous without being nervous. The colours are chosen with care in a very confident gesture of using the reserves, leaving the mahogany wood of the support visible. Without being certain of the preparatory character of these works, it is nevertheless assured that they are decorative and the right image of a refined taste such as it was still in force at the heart of the 19th century. 

Alexandre-Désiré Collette (1814 - 1876) was a sought-after lithographer, notably prolific in the French and international press of his time. His painting work is less well known, even though he had an excellent training in Arras with Constant Dutilleux, nourished by the frequentation of Corot and other painters from Arras.