Studies Of Peasants, Pencil Drawing, Highlights In White Chalk, Eugène Lepoittevin (1806-1870)

Eugène Lepoittevin, originally from Rouen, was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1826, studying in the studio of Louis Hersent (1777-1860).
A regular at the Salon from 1830 onward, he exhibited several paintings there each year.
A painter of seascapes, genre scenes, and a few historical paintings, he was a realist, a precursor, along with Eugène Isabey (1803-1886), of the many landscape painters who frequented Étretat in the 19th century.

This charming study features various figures engaged in fishing, hunting, chopping wood, or carrying bales, with another figure riding a donkey. In the center are two female figures surrounded by children.

The precision of the lines, drawn in pencil with white chalk highlights, combines with a lively depiction of the actions, creating a captivating and vibrant whole.

This sheet has a very slight crease in its center. Note a lighter spot in the lower right corner, which does not detract from the readability or the charm of the work.