Louis Cabié (1853-1939) Autumn Mist On The Vézère At Les Eyzies, Dordogne

Louis-Alexandre CABIÉ
(Dol-de-Bretagne 1853 - Bordeaux 1939)
Autumn Mist on the Vézère at Les Eyzies
Gouache on paper
H. 29 cm ; W. 47 cm
Signed lower right, dated 1915

Louis Cabié, a renowned artist in France, particularly in the Bordeaux region, traveled extensively throughout the southwest of France during his lifetime. A student of Harpignies, whose passion for vegetation is reminiscent of the Barbizon school, he continued to capture the simplicity of picturesque French landscapes until his death. Spectacular trees, forest settings, places steeped in history, enchanting valleys, or even a landscape in its purest form, which he imbued with a vibrant contrast.

When Cabié created this gouache, he had been exploring every corner of Les Eyzies for over twenty years, sketching and painting every possible viewpoint around the Vézère River, in all kinds of weather. This view appears to be taken between Les Eyzies and Saint-Circq-du-Bugue, where the valley widens before reaching Campagne and then Le Bugue.

This autumnal scene shrouded in mist evokes an atmosphere that the people of Périgord know very well: a stark contrast to the dazzling summer light.