Paul Lecomte (1842-1920) Landscape With Ponds (fontainebleau Forest) Oil On Canvas, Signed

Paul Lecomte (1842-1920) Landscape with Ponds (Fontainebleau Forest) oil on canvas signed "Paul Lecomte (1842-1920)" This landscape by Paul Lecomte is particularly interesting within his oeuvre. First, it depicts a view of the Fontainebleau Forest. Second, it is rendered in a silkier and softer style than the rest of his work. This perfectly illustrates the fact that this painter always knew how to reinvent himself and evolve his inspiration and style. Indeed, we find the care taken with the gentle harmony of colors. All these characteristics are very typical of his work. It is a beautifully executed painting, signed by the artist with a small dedication to Jules Cornnu. This painting also has the added value of a cartouche mentioning "Hors concours" (Out of Competition), which sets the tone: the established renown of an artist who has achieved great fame and whose talent is widely recognized. During exhibitions and salons, these artists are exempt from participating in the judging. This is a kind of honorary category for masters and important figures. Paul Lecomte was born in Paris on April 15, 1842. He was a painter of landscapes and coastal scenes. He is considered one of the last high-quality representatives of the Barbizon School. He was a student of the painter Émile Lambinet (1813-1877), but the influences of Camille Corot and Henri Harpignies are the most significant in the development of his style. His art is deeply influenced by Japonism, much like that of his near contemporary Claude Monet. He painted in Brittany, Normandy, and the south of France, as well as in England, where he also exhibited his works. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon from 1868 onward, winning various medals and awards. He died in Paris on March 21, 1920. His works are held in the Louvre Museum and the Petit Palais Museum in Paris, and in the Museum of Fine Arts in Mulhouse. and at the Baron-Martin Museum in Gray. It mainly features watercolors, with few oil paintings. This makes it a painting not to be missed...