Tristan Lacroix (1849-1920) The Gorge Aux Loups In The Forest Of Fontainebleau

Tristan LACROIX
(Cahors 1849 - Paris 1920)
La Gorge aux Loups in the forest of Fontainebleau
Oil on canvas
H. 55 cm; L. 46 cm
Signed lower right and located on the back on the frame. Dated 1874

The name of Tristan Lacroix is not unknown to fans of animal painting and hunting. His works, which sell for good prices, can be found throughout France, in numerous public collections. His origins seem vague at first glance since numerous writings mention him being born in Périgueux in 1862, which is absolutely not the case. It was in 1849 that he was born in the neighboring department, in Cahors, to a family from Toulouse and Corrèze. So what is the link with Périgord which is favored by local collectors? A local work is kept in Périgueux, the town hall of Thiviers has one representing a scene from old Périgueux, but wouldn't he have simply passed through the region without having any ties there? That would be surprising. Our canvas, dated 1874, is a Bellifontain subject located very precisely at the Gorge aux Loups, a renowned place for painters of the Barbizon school. This early work is precisely at the crossroads of this style, where dark trees mingle, and the beginnings of Lacroix's animal painting which already enlivens his scene.