Charles François Daubigny "the Hamlet By The River"

Attributed to Charles François Daubigny. Oil on panel, "The Hamlet by the River," unsigned. The frame bears a cartouche attributing the work to Daubigny, and on the back of the panel, an old inscription recalls the master's signature: Daubigy, followed by: Véritable (Genuine). 11.7 x 20 cm. French School. Charles François Daubigny (1817-1878) was a student of Jean-Victor Bertin (1767-1842) and Jacques Raymond Brascassat (1804-1867). At the age of 25, Daubigny moved to Barbizon in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest, following in the footsteps of Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot (1796-1875), who had pioneered a new style of painting some twenty years earlier. Daubigny is considered one of the most important members of the Barbizon School. Many national and international museums possess his works. Our small sketch, executed from life, has all the qualities for a most certain attribution to Charles François Daubigny. It seems, in fact, that the master first developed his work with an initial outline that remained unfinished, then, despite this change of mind, he set to work, focusing on capturing the light of the setting sun. The fact that this outline remains unfinished confirms the sketch-like nature of our work. The spontaneous character of this preparatory study, where the painter revises his ideas during execution, allows us to share in the creative process of a most talented plein air artist like Daubigny. Contemporary wood and gilt stucco frame (two small chips on the edges of the frame). Good condition. 1900 euros.