Watercolor Albert Girard The Cows

pretty watercolor framed under glass showing a herd of cows resting in a meadow at sunset. painting signed lower right Albert Girard. Note the presence of an old pasted paper on the back of the painting with a handwritten annotation on the biography of the author Work of high and beautiful quality with remarkable luminosity. the work is in very good condition. The gilded stuccoed wooden frame has some gaps. Work format 55/38cm frame format 82/66cm Biography: Born on December 13, 1839, in the artistic heart of Paris, Paul-Albert Girard emerged as an eminent figure in 19th century French painting. Son of the esteemed painter Pierre Girard, he inherited not only a name, but also a passion for the arts that would define his illustrious career. Paul Albert was a versatile artist, mastering diverse genres, from capturing the essence of everyday life in genre scenes to breathing life into captivating portraits and landscapes. His virtuosity extended to watercolors, wall compositions and the rich tapestry of orientalist paintings depicting scenes from North Africa. In 1857, Paul-Albert began his formal artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Under the guidance of eminent mentors such as Jean Joseph Bellel, François Edouard Picot and Hippolyte Flandrin, he perfected his art and laid the foundation for a career that would leave an indelible mark on the art world. From 1859 to 1913, his works found their place at the Paris Salon, testifying to his lasting presence and influence. He also exhibited at the Salon Dijon from 1887 to 1910 and at the Salon des Peintres Orientalistes, demonstrating the extent of his artistic vision. In 1861, Paul-Albert Girard received the prestigious Prix de Rome in the 'historical landscape' category, recognition of his exceptional talent. One of his notable works was the gripping “The Procession of Silenus.” The year 1895 marked another peak in his career when Girard was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to artistic excellence. For two decades, he turned his artistic eye to portraits and landscapes, capturing the beauty of Normandy, the banks of the Loire and the picturesque Italian countryside. However, it was his large orientalist paintings that truly set him apart, offering glimpses of daily life in Kabylia and various regions of Algeria. On February 24, 1920, France bid farewell to a creative genius, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.