émile Vernier (1829–1887) – Farmyard In Normandy, Ca. 1870 / Hst /
Artist: émile Vernier (1829-1887)
ÉMILE VERNIER (1829–1887)
FARMYARD IN NORMANDY
OIL ON CANVAS
second half of the 19th century, probably around 1875–1880
On its original canvas and stretcher
Original frame
Dimensions without frame: 40 × 54 cm.
Dimensions with frame: 61 × 75 cm.
A very fine oil on canvas by Émile Vernier, signed lower left, depicting a large farmyard in Normandy, bustling with geese, chickens, and numerous pigeons.
This depiction of rural Normandy features particularly characteristic architecture: whitewashed farm buildings, a half-timbered barn, long roofs of old tiles, exposed rafters, stacks of straw, and a vast farmyard.
The exact location is unknown, but the subject fits perfectly with Émile Vernier’s well-documented interest in Normandy, its villages, its coastlines, and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
In the foreground, a flock of geese crosses the courtyard while hens and roosters scatter among the straw. Numerous pigeons have perched on the rooftops, while others take flight into the sky. This activity brings a great deal of life to this Normandy farm scene.
Vernier pays remarkable attention to the architecture and atmosphere of this Normandy countryside. The old masonry, half-timbering, roof tiles, straw, and various animals are rendered with a supple and lively touch.
The color palette combines earth tones, ochres, and browns with the whites of the walls and the birds’ plumage, while a largely cloudy blue sky lends light and depth to the composition.
ÉMILE VERNIER AND NORMANDY
Émile-Louis Vernier (1829–1887) was a major French painter, draftsman, and lithographer of the second half of the 19th century. Born in Lons-le-Saunier in 1829, he trained in the Parisian art scene and simultaneously developed a career as a painter and lithographer. He regularly participated in the Paris Salon beginning in 1857, where he exhibited landscapes, seascapes, and scenes painted from life. Normandy occupies a significant place in his work. Émile Vernier lived and worked notably in Yport, Normandy, and repeatedly depicted the coastline, maritime activities, and the region’s people. Among his best-known works related to Normandy is *Avant le grain à Grandcamp, dans le Calvados* (Before the Storm at Grandcamp, in Calvados), presented at the 1878 Salon and acquired by the French government. This important painting is now part of the Musée d’Orsay’s collection. He also exhibited *Les Pêcheuses de varech à Yport* (Seaweed Gatherers at Yport) at the 1879 Salon, another subject directly inspired by Normandy. His body of work also includes subjects set in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, in the Manche department. These numerous paintings dedicated to Normandy—its ports, coastlines, and people—allow us to naturally situate our Norman farmyard within the artist’s pictorial world. Émile Vernier was also recognized for his work as a lithographer and helped disseminate the works of several contemporary painters. His official career was crowned by his appointment as a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1881. He died in Paris in 1887.
FARMYARD IN NORMANDY
OIL ON CANVAS
second half of the 19th century, probably around 1875–1880
On its original canvas and stretcher
Original frame
Dimensions without frame: 40 × 54 cm.
Dimensions with frame: 61 × 75 cm.
A very fine oil on canvas by Émile Vernier, signed lower left, depicting a large farmyard in Normandy, bustling with geese, chickens, and numerous pigeons.
This depiction of rural Normandy features particularly characteristic architecture: whitewashed farm buildings, a half-timbered barn, long roofs of old tiles, exposed rafters, stacks of straw, and a vast farmyard.
The exact location is unknown, but the subject fits perfectly with Émile Vernier’s well-documented interest in Normandy, its villages, its coastlines, and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
In the foreground, a flock of geese crosses the courtyard while hens and roosters scatter among the straw. Numerous pigeons have perched on the rooftops, while others take flight into the sky. This activity brings a great deal of life to this Normandy farm scene.
Vernier pays remarkable attention to the architecture and atmosphere of this Normandy countryside. The old masonry, half-timbering, roof tiles, straw, and various animals are rendered with a supple and lively touch.
The color palette combines earth tones, ochres, and browns with the whites of the walls and the birds’ plumage, while a largely cloudy blue sky lends light and depth to the composition.
ÉMILE VERNIER AND NORMANDY
Émile-Louis Vernier (1829–1887) was a major French painter, draftsman, and lithographer of the second half of the 19th century. Born in Lons-le-Saunier in 1829, he trained in the Parisian art scene and simultaneously developed a career as a painter and lithographer. He regularly participated in the Paris Salon beginning in 1857, where he exhibited landscapes, seascapes, and scenes painted from life. Normandy occupies a significant place in his work. Émile Vernier lived and worked notably in Yport, Normandy, and repeatedly depicted the coastline, maritime activities, and the region’s people. Among his best-known works related to Normandy is *Avant le grain à Grandcamp, dans le Calvados* (Before the Storm at Grandcamp, in Calvados), presented at the 1878 Salon and acquired by the French government. This important painting is now part of the Musée d’Orsay’s collection. He also exhibited *Les Pêcheuses de varech à Yport* (Seaweed Gatherers at Yport) at the 1879 Salon, another subject directly inspired by Normandy. His body of work also includes subjects set in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, in the Manche department. These numerous paintings dedicated to Normandy—its ports, coastlines, and people—allow us to naturally situate our Norman farmyard within the artist’s pictorial world. Émile Vernier was also recognized for his work as a lithographer and helped disseminate the works of several contemporary painters. His official career was crowned by his appointment as a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1881. He died in Paris in 1887.
2 500 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Perfect condition
Material: Oil painting
Reference (ID): 1832058
Availability: In stock
Print
