Léon Huber "young Cats" Oil On Canvas Around 1900 Animal Painting Montmartre Paris

Very beautiful work by Léon Charles Huber entitled "Young Cats" in its original frame. The comical scene of these cats in a basket is a recurring motif in the artist's painting, which made the representation of cats his specialty. The signed work is in very good condition. Frame dimensions: 60 cm x 51 cm Canvas dimensions: 44 x 39 cm Some biographical information here: Born in Montmartre, he studied at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris. He specializes in the realistic and decorative figuration of cats. From 1887, he regularly participated in the Salon des artistes français. Among the works he exhibited, in 1899, the fight of a tomcat against a lobster, in 1900, a brood of cats "Dans la Marmite", in 1901, "La Famille Turbulente", 1902, "La Pêche improvisée “, 1903, “La Débâcle” Honorable Mention awarded by the Jury of the Salon, 1904, “Hallali”, a troop of cats chasing the mouse, 1905, “Pinch”, etc. Bon vivant, he was a member of the goguette du Cornet at least from February 1906. He sang and, like Ingres, played the violin for his pleasure. Does social work in his studio in the rue Cauchois, at the door of which every morning a line of needy people lines up. He helps them materially and morally: offers them soup and listens to them. Léon Huber also helps, including on occasion through a financial donation, the young beginner painters whom he receives and advises. He is distinguished by numerous awards: officer of the Academy, prize of the Minister of Fine Arts, honorary prize at the Versailles exhibition, second then first silver medal in 1903 at the Charenton exhibition, diploma of out of competition awarded in 1903 at the Limoges exhibition. He was knighted Nicham Iftikar by the Bey of Tunis in February 1906. He died in 1928.