Paul Gagneux (1857-1892) Port Of Royan C.1888. Tours Charente Maritime, Emile Zola, Gué Balande

Rare and superb small oil/panel by Paul Gagneux depicting the lively port of Royan around 1888, signed and located lower left + marked the port upper right. Format of the panel alone 7x12cm and 16x21cm including frame. This is indeed a rare work by Paul Gagneux who paints here the port of Royan around 1888 animated by numerous characters; as usual he treats his scene very skillfully thanks to a perfect drawing and a subtle coloring worthy of the best painters of his generation. Paul Gagneux figures in fact despite his very early death of the famous French painters of the end of the 19th century. He will stay frequently in Royan in the years 1887/1890, notably during the stay of Emile Zola whom he will inevitably meet. In Royan, Emile Zola is associated with Paradou. This residence, built by his friend Georges Charpentier in what would become the Parc district, was a popular vacation spot for many residents of "High Society." The property was inspired by the fictional "Paradou" described by Zola himself in a previous novel, "La Faute de l'Abbé Mouret," 1875. It quickly became the ideal setting for many high-society receptions. Many artists and notables met there, particularly attracted by its large, lush garden. From September 1 to October 10, 1987, Zola spent many evenings there, without actually staying there. In search of tranquility, he rented the nearby Chalet Albert, which later became Villa Le Rêve. The latter can still be seen at 58 Boulevard Frédéric-Garnier. It happened again on August 25, 1888: the author and his wife Alexandrine returned, this time for six weeks. On the agenda: garden parties at Paradou and excursions along the banks of the Seudre. The Parisian couple enjoyed oysters there in the company of the Charpentiers and art critic Théodore Duret. In the meantime, the couple enjoyed their new summer pied-à-terre, the Villa Les Œillets. Today, the Villa Les Arcades can be found on its site on Boulevard Frédéric-Garnier. A young artist from Tours, Paul Gagneux does not appear to have trained in a large studio, but rather in his hometown. A member of the Artistes Français (French Artists), no master is mentioned in the booklets of the numerous salons where he exhibited from 1877 until his untimely death in 1892. At only 35 years old, the artist had acquired a reputation that was only waiting to grow for his still lifes and landscapes. In 1893, during the sale of the studio, the daily newspaper Gil Blas said: "A delicate and talented artist, Paul Gagneux, whose works were admired every year by connoisseurs on the Champs-Élysées [...]. Next Monday in Tours, in this "garden of France", whose charm his brush excelled in rendering, the studio of the late painter will be sold; it is an opportunity for enlightened amateurs to create a good work, while acquiring some very interesting canvases." Today, Gagneux's works are quite rare and quite sought after by amateurs, especially his views of Royan: as proof, this small oil/panel of 18x24cm titled Bord de mer à Royan 1888, sold for over €7,500 in June 2003 at Aguttes. This small oil/panel is in very good condition, entirely original in its period frame. Work guaranteed authentic