Alfred Bloy (1897-1986) Saint Front Cathedral - Périgueux

Alfred BLOY
(Périgueux 1897 – Bordeaux 1986)
Saint Front – Sun effect - Périgueux
Oil on cardboard
H. 52.5 cm; L. 75 cm
Signed lower right, titled on the back

Provenance: Private collection, Périgueux ; Sold by Me Biraben in Périgueux around 2005.

Certainly affiliated with the writer Léon Bloy, Alfred Bloy was born in the same commune of Notre Dame de Sanilhac, 50 years later. He doesn't appear to be her nephew, but potentially a distant cousin. Genealogical research has not made it possible to establish a link, but the name of Bloy remains carried only by the family of the writer, and that of the painter in the surroundings of Périgueux in the 19th century. From an artistic point of view, the mystery remains intact. The brushstroke is nevertheless assured and he has a great mastery of color and light. He is therefore not a simple Sunday painter, especially to produce a series of 8 pieces, which are the only works known to date. He exhibited views of the streets of Périgueux at the Salon des Amis des Arts de Bordeaux in 1926 and 1927, but as on the back of our works, his address is at 219 cour de l'Yser in Bordeaux.

From the series of 8 known works, this painting with a tight frame on the Saint Front cathedral is made by a beautiful afternoon sun. The broad touch of the painter is particularly visible thanks to the contours of the forms which he underlines with a line, bringing shade or a point of light to each painted element.