Alfred Bloy (1897–1986) Les Eyzies, Laugerie, And The Grand Roc, Vézère, Périgord

Alfred BLOY
(Périgueux 1897 – Bordeaux 1986)
The Cliffs of the Grand Roc at Les Eyzies
Oil on cardboard
H. 52.5 cm; W. 75 cm
Signed lower right, titled on the reverse

Provenance: Private collection, Périgueux; Sold by Maître Biraben in Périgueux around 2005.

Almost certainly related to the writer Léon Bloy, Alfred Bloy was born in the same town of Notre Dame de Sanilhac, 50 years later. He does not appear to be his nephew, but may have been a distant cousin. Genealogical research has not established a connection, but the name Bloy was borne exclusively by the writer’s family and that of the painter in the Périgueux area during the 19th century. From an artistic standpoint, the mystery remains unsolved. His brushwork is confident, however, and he demonstrates great mastery of color and light. He was therefore not merely an amateur painter, especially given that he produced a series of eight works, which are practically the only known pieces to date. He exhibited views of the streets of Périgueux at the Salon des Amis des Arts in Bordeaux in 1926 and 1927, but as noted on the back of our works, his address is indeed 219 Cour de l’Yser in Bordeaux.

Part of the series of eight known works, this painting offers an unusual view of Les Eyzies. The cliffs of Laugerie and Grand Roc are usually viewed from the village of Tayac or the bridge, but much more rarely from one of these cliffs overlooking the Vézère River. The artist’s broad brushstrokes are particularly evident in the contours of the forms, which he emphasizes with a single stroke, contrasting with the soft play of light in this gray weather.