Pencil Drawing, Henri Joseph Harpignies, Vau

An old pencil drawing on paper, bearing the signature “Harpignies” at the bottom of the work.
The composition depicts a village street rendered in perspective, lined with houses, low walls, and fences.
On the right, a facade with shutters occupies the foreground; in the center, the street leads to a porch, beyond which trees and several rooftops are visible, suggesting a castle or a very beautiful estate.
The inscription “Vau” is legible in the lower left corner.
The work is mounted under glass in an antique wooden frame with gilded stucco.
It features a brown and maroon mat with a gold border.

Henri Joseph Harpignies was born in Valencienne in 1819 and died in Saint Privé in 1916.
A French draftsman and watercolorist, he was closely associated with the 19th-century landscape tradition and linked to the Barbizon School.
He is particularly known for his landscapes, village scenes, paths, and rivers.
A renowned artist during his lifetime, he received several awards at the Salon and World’s Fairs, and was later elevated to the rank of Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor.

Dimensions:

• Frame: 55 x 49 cm
• Artwork dimensions: 17.5 x 12.5 cm

Condition:

• The mat has a small tear and some stains.
• The frame has old gilding repairs and a small chip
• The drawing is in very good condition