Saint Germain l'Auxerrois By Alexandre Leleu

Interior of the Parisian church of Saint Germain l'Auxerrois by the painter Alexandre Leleu. The painting is signed in the lower right corner and has a few minor imperfections. It is sold unframed. On the back, on the stretcher, the painting bears the title written in pencil: “Evening Prayers, Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois, Paris”  as well as the artist’s address, “Mr. Alexandre Leleu, 96bis rue de la Tour, Paris 16th,” and the price of the painting, “3,000 francs.”
Alexandre Leleu was born in Vicoigne in 1871. After studying painting in Valenciennes, he continued his training in Paris in Gustave Moreau’s studio. His encounter with Harpignies, who was also from northern France, proved pivotal and led to his collaboration with that painter, notably by becoming his official engraver.
He regularly exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français from 1894 until 1937, the year of his death, presenting interior scenes and interiors of Parisian churches.