"André Dauchez, The Four Sergeants Tower In La Rochelle"
Oil on canvas, late 19th/early 20th century, depicting the Tour des Quatre-Sergents (Tower of the Four Sergeants) on the seafront in La Rochelle. Signed lower right: André Dauchez. Good overall condition, with a modern frame. Dimensions excluding frame: 42 x 27 cm. André Dauchez (1870-1948) was a French painter, engraver, and illustrator renowned for his depictions of Breton landscapes. Initially trained in law, he quickly turned to an artistic career, encouraged by his family and cultural environment. He devoted himself to painting and engraving, developing a particular mastery of etching. Regularly residing in Bénodet, he found his primary source of inspiration in the landscapes of Finistère. From the late 19th century onward, he exhibited in several major art events. Dauchez notably participated in the Salon des Artistes Français and later the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, where he presented paintings and engravings. His recognition grew thanks to his regular exhibitions and the interest shown in his work by collectors and institutions. He became an active member of artistic circles and contributed to the influence of the Breton landscape school. At the same time, he created book illustrations, thus broadening his artistic reach. His work remains appreciated today for its technical precision and its sensitive portrayal of the Breton coastal landscapes of the early 20th century.