Charles-emile Jacque (1813-1894) / Barbizon School / Lower Court / Oil On Panel

Charles-Émile Jacque, emblematic figure of the Barbizon School, illustrates in this painting a bucolic farmyard scene with a precision and sensitivity that characterizes him. The composition includes hens, chicks, and a magnificent peacock, creating a peaceful and harmonious ambiance typical of Jacque's depictions of rural life. The scene takes place in a farmyard, a theme dear to Jacque, where domestic animals live in harmony. The peacock, with its majestic tail, dominates the composition and immediately catches the eye, symbolizing beauty and grace. Using oil on panel allows Jacque to capture minute details and rich textures. The subtly worked light highlights the iridescent feathers of the peacock and the plumage of the chickens, adding an almost tangible dimension to the work. Jacque uses an earthy, natural color palette, reinforcing the authenticity of the rural scene. The warm, golden tones of the animals contrast with the darker shades of the background, creating great visual depth.

40 x 32 without frame
58 x 60 with frame
very beautiful gilded wooden frame.
signed lower right

The peacock is often associated with beauty and vanity, due to its spectacular feathers used in courtship displays. This association is used to represent characters or themes related to pride and appearance. In many cultures, the peacock is a symbol of immortality and resurrection. This comes from the ancient belief that the flesh of the peacock did not decompose. In Christianity, it is sometimes used to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The peacock is also a symbol of prosperity, grandeur and glory. In some Asian cultures, it is seen as a bringer of good fortune and protection. With its "eye" on each feather of its tail, the peacock is also considered a symbol of vigilance and protection against evil spirits.

Charles-Émile Jacque (1813-1894) was born on May 23, 1813 in Paris. He began his career as an engraver before turning to painting. Jacque was largely self-taught and did not attend formal art school. However, he trained by observing and collaborating with other artists, developing his own distinctive style. Charles-Émile Jacque is one of the key figures of the Barbizon School, an artistic movement that developed in the mid-19th century in France. The Barbizon School emphasized outdoor painting and the realistic representation of nature. Jacque, like his contemporaries Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet, played a crucial role in promoting this movement. Jacque maintained close relationships with several artists from the Barbizon School, notably Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Corot, known for his lyrical and poetic landscapes, was a source of inspiration for Jacque. Although Jacque and Corot had different styles, their collaboration and exchange of ideas enriched their respective works. Jacque was also in contact with other masters of the Barbizon School, which contributed to the development of his artistic style. Jacque is best known for his rural scenes, depicting domestic animals such as sheep, chickens and peacocks, as well as rural landscapes. His style is realistic and detailed, accurately capturing the textures and atmospheres of rural life. He succeeded in combining his talent as an engraver with his sensitivity as a painter, producing works of great finesse. Charles-Émile Jacque exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, where he received several medals for his works. His official recognition culminated with his admission to the Legion of Honor in 1867. His works were widely appreciated for their authenticity and artistic quality. Today, the works of Charles-Émile Jacque are present in several major museums, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. This museum, which houses an extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, has several of Jacque's works, allowing visitors to appreciate his talent and contribution to 19th-century art.