Picou Eugène Charles (1831-1914) - Nymphs At The Bird Cage

Oil on canvas with its golden frame. The theme is neo-Greek between romantism and neoclassicism, 2 nymphs freeing birds from their cage, in a Greek temple setting with Tuscan columns, almond blossoms, putto and fan, all in a trompe l'oeil frame, reminiscent of the theater . The scene is surrounded by a scallop shell, recalling Louis XIV, the era of lightness of gallant scenes. Signed lower right E.PICOU for Eugènes Charles Picou, painter born in 1831 in Nantes, inspired by the works of Alexandre Cabanel, also influenced by Jean-Léon Gérome in the creation of his style. His brother Henri-Pierre Picou was 2nd Prix de Rome in 1853, and his master Debret was a student of Jacques-Louis David. He will have a slight reputation during his lifetime at the French artists' fair. The painting dates from the 1860s. Most of his works in public collections are exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Nantes, his hometown. The price is for a complete restoration on my part. I can nevertheless sell it as is, show you the places to restore (missing frames, lack of paint) and consequently lower my selling price.