Fernand Combes, Original Drawing: Ruins Of The Château De Coeuvres, Gabrielle d'Estrées, Aisne

FernandCOMBES. Original drawing.

Viewof the ruins of the Château de Cœuvres (Cœuvres-et-Valsery, Aisne). [Circa 1920–1930].

Blackchalk with highlights of white gouache on a green and yellow watercolor background. 65 x 48.2 cm. 
Sheet rolled,small tears with no missing sections along the top and bottom edges.

Signedand inscribed on the back: “To my good friends Boudout,” FernandCombes.”

Titlein the upper left: “Birthplace and Castle of Gabrielled’Estrées.” 

TheChâteau de Cœuvres was built in the 16th century and is known for beingthe birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, a favorite of King Henry IV. After theSecond Battle of the Marne in July 1918, the château and the village ofCœuvres lay in ruins. This is what we see in this drawing. The outbuildings of theChâteau de Cœuvres were designated as Historic Monuments in 1927.

FernandCombes (1856–1943) was a painter, engraver, and watercolorist, born in Les Herbiersin the Vendée region. A student of Henri Lehmann at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he exhibited at the Salondes Artistes Français.
Bénézit(II, 594): “He is noted above all for his watercolors. He worked in Paris, wherehe exhibited in various Salons beginning in 1888.”


Ref. EB-1712