Louis-gabriel Moreau Attributed To "the Collegiate Church In Majesty"

Attributed to Louis-Gabriel Moreau. Ink wash and pencil drawing, "The Collegiate Church in Majesty." Bears two inscriptions at the bottom left: by Moreau...master of Cde Chinon... by Morau (to be determined). 22.5 x 33.5 cm (sight size). French School. Louis-Gabriel Moreau (1740-1806), known as Moreau the Elder, needs no introduction. What is most important to remember is that he was one of the most significant forerunners of the new plein air painting that developed in France during the second half of the 19th century and ultimately led to the emergence of the new modern schools. Our drawing is a perfect example of these plein air works, sketched from life, which then served as the basis for more finished paintings in the studio. The folds in the paper reinforce this idea. Moreau the Elder often used diluted India ink to create hazy masses in the sky and water, contrasting with very fine pen strokes for the details of buildings or posts in the water. We believe this could be the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin in Candes-Saint-Martin (Indre-et-Loire). We know the artist frequented this region. At the end of the 18th century, the collegiate church was the most spectacular building between Saumur and Chinon. Viewed from the north bank of the Loire or from the middle of the river, it perfectly captures this silhouette (at that time, the village was barely visible, nestled beneath the hillside, leaving the collegiate church standing majestically alone). Modern giltwood frame. Good condition. 980 euros.