Small Watercolor By Robert Léopold Leprince Depicting A Rural Scene With A Donkey Resting, 19th Century

Small framed watercolor signed by Robert Léopold Leprince* (1800–1847). It depicts a rural scene with several figures taking a break on a country road. A woman who looks exhausted is sitting with her young child in her arms. Behind her, the donkey carrying baskets is lying down, with a child on its back.

In front of the woman, a man (perhaps a soldier) carrying a rifle and a banner is kneeling. Other figures can be made out in the background. Presented in a gilded wooden frame. Dating from the first half of the 19th century.

This watercolor is in good condition. Traces of a signature at the bottom.

Please note: a few imperfections and scratches on the frame; see photos.

was a French painter. The son of Anne-Pierre Leprince, Léopold Leprince was the brother of Xavier Leprince (1799–1826) and Gustave Leprince (1810–1837), all of whom were landscape painters. He learned his craft from his father and his brother Xavier. He exhibited at the Salon from 1822 to 1844 and won his first medal in 1824. He also exhibited in Toulouse, Douai, Cambrai, and Lille between 1825 and 1845, and in Bordeaux in 1828. Later, he taught his brother Gustave the basics of his art. The three brothers lived at the La Childebert studio in Paris. Léopold Leprince was part of the second generation of painters who began painting from life around 1825 in the Forest of Fontainebleau, as well as in the village of Moret-sur-Loing, before the Barbizon School emerged around 1835. During his study trips in the region, he settled in Chailly-en-Bière, two kilometers from Barbizon. He moved to Chartres and built a clientele by painting rural landscapes. 
He died on February 6, 1847, at the age of 46, in Chartres.

A highly rated artist on Artprice.

• Frame: 24.7 cm x 21.8 cm
• Watercolor dimensions: 10.3 cm x 8.2 cm
• All photos are available at:
  www.antiques-delaval.com