Louis Cabié (1853–1939) Autumn On The Vézère River At Les Eyzies, Périgord, Dordogne

Louis-Alexandre CABIÉ
(Dol-de-Bretagne 1853 – Bordeaux 1939)
Autumn on the Vézère at Les Eyzies
Oil on canvas
H. 56 cm; W. 45 cm
Signed lower left, dated 1913. Retouched by the artist to read “1912.” Located and titled on the back.

Provenance: Private collection, Marseille

Louis Cabié, a renowned artist in France—and particularly in the Bordeaux region—even during his lifetime, traveled throughout the greater southwest 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 atmospheres, places steeped in history, enchanting valleys, or even a landscape in its most unadorned state—he knew how to bring out its vital contrast. 

Beginning in 1890, Louis-Alexandre Cabié roamed the banks of the Vézère in all kinds of weather and throughout the different seasons. He spent much of his time in the town of Les Eyzies in the Dordogne, where he married for the second time in 1894. Several hundred works were created along the banks of this river, most of which cannot be located today.

Titled “Bords de la Vézère,” this autumnal view from the fall of 1912 or 1913 conveys the first chills the painter must have felt on the riverbanks. At the foot of the cliffs, Cabié turns his gaze downstream here, a few hundred meters past the village of Les Eyzies, and captures the light of an afternoon. True to his style, the painter depicts only what he sees, without adding any fanciful touches, allowing the river and the atmosphere to speak for themselves.

We are seeking any works or information related to the artist to complete his biography as well as a catalogue raisonné currently being compiled.