Alfred Bloy (1897-1986) The Dordogne Poplar

Alfred BLOY
(Périgueux 1897 – Bordeaux 1986)
The poplar
Oil on wood
H. 34.5 cm; W. 13 cm
Signed lower right

Provenance: Collection of the painter Maurice Albe, then his wife.

Most certainly affiliated with the writer Léon Bloy, Alfred Bloy was born in the same commune of Notre Dame de Sanilhac, 50 years later. He does not seem to be his nephew, but potentially a distant cousin. Genealogical research has not established a link, but the name Bloy remains borne only by the writer's family, and that of the painter in the surroundings of Périgueux in the 19th century. From an artistic point of view, the mystery remains. However, the brushstroke is assured and he has a great mastery of color and light. He is therefore not a simple Sunday painter, especially to produce a series of 8 pieces, which are practically the only works known to date. He exhibited views of streets of Périgueux at the Salon des Amis des Arts in Bordeaux in 1926 and 1927, but as on the back of our works, his address is indeed 219 cour de l'Yser in Bordeaux.

Our small panel, certainly a landscape of Périgord, was offered to the painter Maurice Albe, certainly in the 1930s, as evidenced by the dedication at the top of the panel. The originality of the format and its destination make it an extraordinary piece.