Original Watercolor Late 19th Signed By The Painter Henri Pille “the Carnival”

Henri Pille (1844-1897)
"Le Carnaval"

Superbe and original watercolor with ink outlines, signed by the painter Henri Pille.
The scene represents several costumed characters in front of a religious building.
The watercolor is in perfect condition, it must date from the end of the 19th century.
Sheet format 31x20

Henri Pille is a French painter, engraver and illustrator.
A popular figure in the Montmartre artistic community, his work develops through history paintings and genre scenes often tinged with humor.
He is especially renowned as a pen-and-ink artist, he is also a remarkable watercolorist.
He creates numerous illustrations for publishing and collaborates with magazines and newspapers.

In 1869, he received the gold medal from the Ministry of the Emperor's Household and Fine Arts.
In his letters to his brother Théo, Vincent van Gogh several times expressed his admiration for the work of Henri Pille, whom he met during his stay in Paris.
He is described as a sweet, shy eccentric.

Henri Pille was named knight of the Legion of Honor in 1882. In 1889 he was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition.