Louis Cabié (1853–1939) The Saut Du Loup On The Aumance River In Hérisson, Allier

Louis-Alexandre CABIÉ
(Dol-de-Bretagne 1853 – Bordeaux 1939)
The Wolf’s Leap over the Aumance River at Hérisson - Allier
Oil on canvas
H. 50 cm; W. 61 cm
Signed lower right, dated 1917


Provenance: Private collection, Lyon


Louis Cabié, a renowned artist in France—and particularly in the Bordeaux region—even during his lifetime, traveled throughout the southwestern region of France throughout his life. A student of Harpignies, whose passion for vegetation in the style of the Barbizon School is evident in his work, he continued to capture the simplicity of picturesque French landscapes until his death. Spectacular trees, forest scenes, places steeped in history, enchanting valleys—or even a landscape in its most unadorned state—he knew how to bring out with striking contrast. 

As early as 1899, Cabié began spending time in Hérisson, Allier, very close to the home of his friend and mentor Harpignies. He depicted the golden hills, the ruins of the fortress, and, of course, the Aumance, the small river flowing through the village. Our painting, dated 1917, is in a perfect square format. It depicts a well-known local site: the rock formation on the Aumance known as the Saut du Loup, upstream from the village. The sunlit cliff, the foreshadowed foreground, and the lively stream have very often led collectors to believe that these works were set in the Périgord… The handwritten note near his signature clearly proves that the Allier region played a significant role in Cabié’s work, yielding pieces of exceptional quality.


We are seeking any works or information related to the artist to complete his biography as well as a catalog raisonné currently in progress.