Jules Coignet (1798-1860), Italian Landscape, Lake Garda, October 9th, 1837

Jules Coignet (1798-1860)
Landscape of Lake Garda, 1837
Graphite on paper
226 x 342 mm
annotated lower right, in pencil: "Lago di Guarda (sic) 9.8bre 1837"
Stamp of the sale of the workshop of 1861 (Lugt 451c) lower left

In good condition, small foxing spots, framed under glass
Dimensions of the frame : 37,5 x 48,5 cm

Provenance : Galerie Paul Prouté, Autumn 1989, catalogue 92, under n° 85 (the description from the catalogue was cut and glued to the back of the frame)

Testimony to one of Jules Coignet's fascinating journeys through Italy, this drawing, both precise and contemplative, captures the moment of a stopover on the shores of Lake Garda, at the foot of the Alps.

By poetic instinct, the artist turned to the majestic nature, the very calm water of the lake and the fascinating mountains. The Isle of Garda, on the left, is drawn with the end of the pencil like an apparition in the heart of the powerful natural landscape. The mountains and the rare boats that venture on these quiet waves hold the attention of the traveling painter. The economy of the drawing makes one feel the silence of this landscape, there is only the lapping of the water and the sound of the pencil on the sheet.

The drawing was very well preserved. The stamp of the April 1861 sale (Lugt 451c), even faded, sheds light on the origin of the work: the artist's workshop was sold in Paris after the death of Coignet. An “LH” watermark is visible in the center of the artwork. All these technical details help to elevate this sheet to the quintessential degree of open-air drawing: there is the moment captured on the motif and there is materiality, that is to say the passage of time, since that day in October 1837 until today. Throughout his travels, Jules Coignet was free to choose the technique that inspired him the most, oil on paper, pastel, graphite. Under his hand, the magic happens every time.

For those who have already contemplated these landscapes, this drawing will be precious.
For those who dream of these places, this work will be an invitation to travel.