Amorous Encounter At The Foot Of The Château d'Aigle - Jules Girardet (1856-1938)

Jules Girardet was a student of Alexandre Cabanel at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. A specialist in genre scenes and historical subjects, he will also perform some orientalist works. He was rewarded at the Paris Salon of 1881 and obtained a silver medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1889. Several museums keep his works. Beautiful perspective on the Alps for this luminous atmosphere at the foot of the medieval castle of Aigle in Switzerland. The Troubadour spirit, in vogue during the Napoleon III era, is well transcribed here, to which is added a note of humor staged by the monk in a cassock reading on his donkey sheltered by an umbrella, at the same time the young couple sitting on the low wall is in traditional costume, what does the presence of the monk mean? Will he marry them? . The current structure of this impressive castle is still identical, with the same access path bordered by rubble walls. Oil on canvas signed lower left Jules Girardet. Original canvas with two small reinforcements on the back and small restorations. Beautiful wooden frame and gilded stucco, which seems original, informative brass plate engraved on the artist fixed on the frame. Dimensions canvas: 94 cm x 71 cm dimensions with frame 118 cm x 95 cm The Girardets a dynasty of artists: Jules Girardet French artist of Swiss origin, born in Paris (1856-1938)) son of the remarkable engraver Paul Girardet born in Neuchatel (1821-1893) and died in Paris, himself the son of an engraver. Jules' brothers will also be artists, Eugène (1853-1907) his eldest and Léon (1856-1895) his twin.