What is historical genre painting?

Historical genre painting is an art movement where painters depict narrative scenes of leisure, domestic life, or social interactions set within preceding historical eras. Popularised in the 19th century, these works emphasise accuracy in period clothing, interior architecture, and decorative furnishings.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century oil paintings?

Artisans used natural oil pigments suspended in linseed or walnut oil, applied onto stretched linen canvas or prepared wood panels. Frames were typically crafted from wood and plaster before being finished with hand-applied gold leaf.

How do experts verify authentic paintings from this period?

Authentication involves inspecting the artist signature, examining natural craquelure across the varnish, and assessing age-appropriate oxidisation on the canvas backing and frame hardware. Pigment analysis and provenance documentation further establish authenticity.

How can a classic oil painting be styled in modern interiors?

An ornate gilt-framed oil painting creates visual impact when hung above a minimalist sideboard, a mantelpiece, or against dark wood panelling. Combining classical narrative art with clean-lined contemporary furniture generates balance through contrast.

How should an antique oil painting be preserved?

Store and display the artwork away from direct sunlight, radiator heat sources, and fluctuating humidity. Dust gently using a soft, dry microfibre brush, and consult a professional conservator for surface varnish cleaning or structural repairs.

for sale €18,603 $20,193

£15,900

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Historical Genre Oil Painting of Two Gentlemen Playing a Game of Cards by Marcel Brunery

Name: Historical Genre Oil Painting of Two Gentlemen Playing a Game of Cards by Marcel Brunery
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1017700
Price: 15900 GBP
Availability: InStock

1920 - 1940

For Sale by Benton Fine Art

Description

Marcel Brunery

French, (1893-1982)

A Good Hand

Oil on panel, signed

Image size: 18.75 inches x 23.5 inches

Size including frame: 26.75 inches x 31.5 inches

Provenance: Frost & Reed

A wonderful painting of two gentlemen playing a game of cards by Marcel Brunery. The gentlemen, dressed in 18th century costumes are depicted in an opulent interior of the same period. The panelled room and antiques appear similar to those used in some of his other works and were chosen by Brunery to lend authenticity to his work. The location was most likely a large Chateau that was situated within easy travelling distance to him at the time.

Marcel Vincent Louis Brunery was a genre painter born on 10 September, 1893 to the Italian born artist François or Francesco Brunery and his wife Maria (née Fillion). He was taught art by his father who it is widely held to be the inventor of the genre of ‘Cardinal Painting’. His father had a great influence on his work and like him he went on to produce many works featuring Cardinals as well as historical scenes.

He married Yvonne Estradere on 19 July, 1930 at Bagneres de Luchon and they had a son, Francis in 1935. In the same year, he made his debut at the Société des Artistes Indépendants with a work entitled 'La Lecon'. By 1846 he was living with his family at 18, rue Pierre-Demours. He remained living and working in Paris until his death on 16 August, 1982 at Suresnes, Hauts-De-Seine.

Brunery excelled at depicting the clergy and nobility in a humorous way, involving them in domestic dramas that showed them to be no different from the ‘common man’. He was able to take the genre to a new level, painting his scenes with a remarkable level of exactness and precision. His lavish and colourful works have made him highly popular with private collectors over the years. An example of his work can be found at the Warrington Museum & Art Gallery.

Presentation: The painting is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.

© Benton Fine Art

Physical Dimensions

Height

68cm (26.77")

Width

80cm (31.50")

Depth

6.5cm (2.56")

Declaration

Benton Fine Art has dated this Marcel Brunery Oil Painting to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1017700

Dealers Notes

Members of the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA).

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For a wider range of stock please visit www.bentonfineart.com.

If you would like to purchase this item or have any questions, please email us at pictures@bentonfineart.com or call 07710 540549.

© Benton Fine Art

Description

Marcel Brunery

French, (1893-1982)

A Good Hand

Oil on panel, signed

Image size: 18.75 inches x 23.5 inches

Size including frame: 26.75 inches x 31.5 inches

Provenance: Frost & Reed

A wonderful painting of two gentlemen playing a game of cards by Marcel Brunery.

“

The gentlemen, dressed in 18th century costumes are depicted in an opulent interior of the same period.

Benton Fine Art

The panelled room and antiques appear similar to those used in some of his other works and were chosen by Brunery to lend authenticity to his work. The location was most likely a large Chateau that was situated within easy travelling distance to him at the time.

fig 1. An oil painting framed in a carved giltwood frame depicting two 18th-century gentlemen playing cards inside an ornate salon. — fig 1. Historical Genre Oil Painting of Two Gentlemen Playing a Game of Cards by Marcel Brunery

Marcel Vincent Louis Brunery was a genre painter born on 10 September, 1893 to the Italian born artist François or Francesco Brunery and his wife Maria (née Fillion). He was taught art by his father who it is widely held to be the inventor of the genre of ‘Cardinal Painting’. His father had a great influence on his work and like him he went on to produce many works featuring Cardinals as well as historical scenes.

fig 2. An oil painting framed in a carved giltwood frame depicting two 18th-century gentlemen playing cards inside an ornate salon. — fig 2. Historical Genre Oil Painting of Two Gentlemen Playing a Game of Cards by Marcel Brunery

He married Yvonne Estradere on 19 July, 1930 at Bagneres de Luchon and they had a son, Francis in 1935. In the same year, he made his debut at the Société des Artistes Indépendants with a work entitled 'La Lecon'. By 1846 he was living with his family at 18, rue Pierre-Demours. He remained living and working in Paris until his death on 16 August, 1982 at Suresnes, Hauts-De-Seine.

fig 3. An oil painting framed in a carved giltwood frame depicting two 18th-century gentlemen playing cards inside an ornate salon. — fig 3. Historical Genre Oil Painting of Two Gentlemen Playing a Game of Cards by Marcel Brunery

Brunery excelled at depicting the clergy and nobility in a humorous way, involving them in domestic dramas that showed them to be no different from the ‘common man’. He was able to take the genre to a new level, painting his scenes with a remarkable level of exactness and precision. His lavish and colourful works have made him highly popular with private collectors over the years. An example of his work can be found at the Warrington Museum & Art Gallery.

fig 4. An oil painting framed in a carved giltwood frame depicting two 18th-century gentlemen playing cards inside an ornate salon. — fig 4. Historical Genre Oil Painting of Two Gentlemen Playing a Game of Cards by Marcel Brunery

Presentation: The painting is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.