At The Beautiful Ship, Pierre Outin (1840-1899)

PIERRE OUTIN 1840 - 1899 Au Beau Navire Oil on canvas signed OUTIN lower right Dimensions: 78 cm x 60 cm Dimensions with frame: 92 cm x 75 cm The scene takes place in a restaurant in the town of Moulins in the 19th century. The painting captures an intimate and elegant moment: in the center of the composition, a graceful woman attracts attention. Dressed in a sumptuous dress decorated with lace and embroidery, she also wears a magnificent hat that emphasizes her refined appearance. To her right, a young man, probably a messenger or perhaps a lover, stands. His gaze is attentive and full of hope as he watches the woman read the letter he has just brought her. The contrast between the innocence of the messenger and the sophistication of the lady creates a subtle but palpable tension in the atmosphere. The background of the painting is just as important as the figures in the foreground: we can see the Régemortes bridge, an emblematic architectural element of Moulins. This bridge, with its majestic arches, is bathed in daylight, adding a dimension of depth and perspective to the scene. The composition of the painting, the play of light and shadow, as well as the richness of the clothing and architectural details give this work a timeless beauty and an elegance typical of the 19th century. This genre scene, although simple in appearance, finely depicts the subtleties of human interactions and the atmosphere of a bygone era. Pierre Outin, born in 1840 in Moulins, was the son of a wealthy merchant. He studied at the Lycée de Moulins where he learned the basics of drawing. However, his father did not appreciate his artistic tastes and sent him to work in England. While still a minor, Pierre returned to Paris and found a job in a silk house, which pleased his father. In 1861, after reaching the age of majority, Pierre decided to leave his job to pursue his passion for art. Thanks to the intervention of the sculptor Charles Joseph Lecointe, a family friend, he was admitted to the studio of the famous painter Alexandre Cabanel. Outin proved to be a talented student and won first prize in the competition of the École des Beaux-Arts in 1863. In 1868, Outin exhibited his first painting at the Salon des Artistes Français, revealing his penchant for genre scenes of a historical nature. From that date on, he regularly participated in this prestigious salon. In 1874, Outin undertook a long stay in Algeria, fascinated by the African land. There he discovered bright colors, a unique luminosity and oriental outfits that enriched his palette on his return to France. This influence was felt in his works, where his colours became richer and more nuanced. Outin frequented the Nouvelle Athènes in Paris, a meeting place for many artists of his time, such as Manet, Pissarro and Goeneutte. During the Siege of Paris and the Commune, he settled in Auvers-sur-Oise with his friends, where he painted a portrait of the painter Eugène Murer. In 1880, his painting "Course d'Automne" caused a sensation at the Salon, attracting the attention of the public and critics, notably Maurice Du Seigneur. He accumulated medals and mentions, culminating in his famous painting "Combat de Quiberon" in 1889, which placed him out of competition. That same year, he received an honorable mention for "Filial Piety". Recognized during his lifetime, his works were purchased by art dealers such as Goupil and Valadon, as well as by English, American and German collectors. Outin was known for his historical scenes, his gallant genre scenes, as well as his orientalist paintings, inspired by his stay in Algeria. These works are marked by an elegant composition and a rich and delicate palette, capturing the warm atmosphere of the Orient. Pierre Outin died in 1899, leaving behind a rich and diverse artistic legacy. His talents as a draftsman and colorist continue to be appreciated in his works preserved and admired throughout the world.