Théophile Emmanuel Duverger, Backstage - Antique Oil Painting

This charming mid-19th-century oil painting by French artist Théophile Emmanuel Duverger (1821-1886) depicts a young woman preparing a child for a stage appearance while another looks through a small hole towards the actors. All three are in costume - perhaps they’re siblings. It was previously sold at Christie’s in 1990.

Duverger’s world was one of domestic utopia, where children play gleefully, wide-eyed toddlers sit patiently, and gardens are abundant with radiant blooms. He avoided the grit often associated with the earlier ‘realist’ painters, preferring a gentler, sentimental notion of wholesome family life. As such, his scenes were popular with the French bourgeoisie, the rising middle class who sought to decorate their homes with appropriate imagery.

Born in Bordeaux, he was, astonishingly, self-taught - diligently studying works in museums rather than undertaking formal tuition. It would seem plausible that, given the fidelity of his figure work, he was inspired by the old masters, particularly the 17th-century Dutch painters, such as Gerard ter Borch (1617-1681). Often, young artists would produce copies of the older works, selling them to friends and family.

His career blossomed following a move to Ecouen, a quaint commune eight miles north of Paris, where he associated with a circle of genre painters including Pierre Edouard Frère (1819-1886) and Paul Constant Soyer (1823-1903). It was a supportive environment, aiding his development, and in 1853, he debuted at the illustrious Paris Salon. Ecouen provided an ideal backdrop for his raison d'etre - depicting family life within humble interiors. Artists had an abundance of inspiration on their doorstep and often left easels in local homes. The American, James Crawford Thom (1835-1898), remarked “The village of Ecouen, where we live, is one of the most charmingly picturesque in France. Models, interiors, and interesting subjects are at hand.”

Here, in this piece from around 1875, the figures are rendered skilfully and with careful attention to the costumes. Also, note the glimpse through the back of the stage, which appears to show a fair or similar. Could this be an annual event in Ecouen? He clearly treasured this piece as it’s included in another of his works, ‘Best Friends’. Perhaps these are his daughters.

Théophile Emmanuel Duverger exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, winning medals in 1861 and 1865. He’s represented in numerous public collections including the V&A Museum in London, Musée d'Orsay in Paris, and The Baltimore Museum of Art.

Signed in the lower left and held within a later frame.

Learn more about Théophile Emmanuel Duverger in our directory.

Medium: Oil on panel

Overall size: 20½” x 23½” / 52cm x 60cm

Year of creation: c. 1875

Labels & Inscriptions: Supplier’s stamp / Christie’s stencil / Dealer’s label from Michell Stock Exchange Fine Art Gallery, London / Dealer’s label from Haynes Fine Art of Broadway, Worcestershire.

Provenance: With Michell Stock Exchange Fine Art Gallery, London / 19th and 20th Centuries Continental Pictures and Watercolours, Christie’s, London, 5 October 1990 (£4,189) / With Haynes Fine Art of Broadway, Worcestershire / Private collection, UK.

Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Overall, excellent condition.

Artist’s auction maximum: £38,962 for ‘Tending the Garden’, Oil on panel, Sotheby's, Fine 19th Century European Paintings & Sculpture, 2000 (lot 137).

Our reference: BRV1849