What is French 19th-century historical genre painting?

Historical genre painting in 19th-century France focused on narrative scenes set in prior eras, particularly detailed depictions of 18th-century social life and costume.

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

Artists typically painted with oil pigments on stretched linen or cotton canvas, housed within molded or hand-carved giltwood frames.

How do you identify authentic 19th-century oil paintings?

Authentic works show period-appropriate craquelure across the paint surface, natural age-related oxidisation on the canvas reverse, and genuine wear to the frame gilding.

How do you style a classical oil painting in a modern interior?

Position the painting above a mantelpiece or console table as a singular focal point, contrasting the detailed narrative artwork against neutral walls and contemporary furniture.

How should an antique oil painting and gilt frame be maintained?

Display the artwork away from direct sunlight and heat sources, dusting the canvas and frame gently with a soft, dry brush while avoiding moisture and chemical cleaners.

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Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

Name: Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA931492
Price: 8700 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Benton Fine Art

Description

Jules Girardet

French, (1856-1938)

Le Coeur a des Raisons

Oil on canvas, signed

Image size: 41 inches x 33 inches

Size including frame: 50.25 inches x 42.25 inches

Provenance: Exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1912; Illustrated in the Catalogue illustré du Salon de 1912, p200.

A wonderful genre painting of an elopement by Jules Girardet. As the two young lovers make their escape into an awaiting carriage, the young woman takes one last look back at the home she is leaving. This painting was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1912 and a photographic plate of it was printed in the exhibition catalogue.

Jules Girardet was born on 10 April, 1856 at Versailles, Paris to the Swiss artist and engraver Paul Armand Girardet (1821–1893) and Louise ‘Alexandrine’ Anne Sandoz. His twin brother Léon Girardet (1856–1885), brothers Eugène Alexis Girardet (1853-1907), Paul Armand Girardet Jnr (1859–1915), Théodore Octave Girardet (1861-1935) and sister Julia Antoine (1851-1921) also became artists.

He attended the École des Beaux-arts in Paris and also studied under Alexandre Cabanel together with his brother Léon. He travelled to North Africa with his older brother Eugène, who was an orientalist and also visited Algeria with Léon. However, on his return decided to specialise in genre and historical paintings for which he has become best known.

Girardet married Marie ‘Mathilde’ Marguerite Mayor de Montricher on 15 November, 1881 at Marseille. Together they lived at 55 rue Théophile-Gautier in Boulogne-Billancourt, a wealthy suburb of Paris, where he built a studio. He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1881 where he received a medal and continued to exhibit there throughout his life. He later won a Silver Medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

As well as producing paintings he also illustrated a number of books including: Mademoiselle de Fierlys by Frédéric Dillaye and Tartarin de Tarascon by Alphonse Daudet. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur for his contribution to art. Girardet died on 25 January, 1938 at Boulogne-Billancourt.

Examples of his paintings can be found at the Musée d'art et d'histoire de Cholet, Nantes Museum, Museum of Berne, Switzerland and also at the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead and the Box, Plymouth.

Presentation: The painting is housed in its original 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

127.5cm (50.20")

Width

107.5cm (42.32")

Depth

7.5cm (2.95")

Declaration

Benton Fine Art has dated this Antique French Oil Painting to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA931492

Dealers Notes

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

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Viewing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. However, we can also arrange for you to view the item in your home, depending on the location.

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

Jules Girardet

French, (1856-1938)

Le Coeur a des Raisons

Oil on canvas, signed

Image size: 41 inches x 33 inches

Size including frame: 50.25 inches x 42.25 inches

“

Provenance: Exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1912; Illustrated in the Catalogue illustré du Salon de 1912, p200.

Benton Fine Art

fig 1. A 19th-century oil painting by Jules Girardet depicting an 18th-century couple eloping near a carriage outside a grand stone building, presented in an ornate gold gilt frame. — fig 1. Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

A wonderful genre painting of an elopement by Jules Girardet. As the two young lovers make their escape into an awaiting carriage, the young woman takes one last look back at the home she is leaving. This painting was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1912 and a photographic plate of it was printed in the exhibition catalogue.

fig 2. A 19th-century oil painting by Jules Girardet depicting an 18th-century couple eloping near a carriage outside a grand stone building, presented in an ornate gold gilt frame. — fig 2. Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

Jules Girardet was born on 10 April, 1856 at Versailles, Paris to the Swiss artist and engraver Paul Armand Girardet (1821–1893) and Louise ‘Alexandrine’ Anne Sandoz. His twin brother Léon Girardet (1856–1885), brothers Eugène Alexis Girardet (1853-1907), Paul Armand Girardet Jnr (1859–1915), Théodore Octave Girardet (1861-1935) and sister Julia Antoine (1851-1921) also became artists.

fig 3. A 19th-century oil painting by Jules Girardet depicting an 18th-century couple eloping near a carriage outside a grand stone building, presented in an ornate gold gilt frame. — fig 3. Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

He attended the École des Beaux-arts in Paris and also studied under Alexandre Cabanel together with his brother Léon. He travelled to North Africa with his older brother Eugène, who was an orientalist and also visited Algeria with Léon. However, on his return decided to specialise in genre and historical paintings for which he has become best known.

fig 4. A 19th-century oil painting by Jules Girardet depicting an 18th-century couple eloping near a carriage outside a grand stone building, presented in an ornate gold gilt frame. — fig 4. Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

Girardet married Marie ‘Mathilde’ Marguerite Mayor de Montricher on 15 November, 1881 at Marseille. Together they lived at 55 rue Théophile-Gautier in Boulogne-Billancourt, a wealthy suburb of Paris, where he built a studio. He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1881 where he received a medal and continued to exhibit there throughout his life. He later won a Silver Medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

fig 5. A 19th-century oil painting by Jules Girardet depicting an 18th-century couple eloping near a carriage outside a grand stone building, presented in an ornate gold gilt frame. — fig 5. Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

As well as producing paintings he also illustrated a number of books including: Mademoiselle de Fierlys by Frédéric Dillaye and Tartarin de Tarascon by Alphonse Daudet. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur for his contribution to art. Girardet died on 25 January, 1938 at Boulogne-Billancourt.

fig 6. A 19th-century oil painting by Jules Girardet depicting an 18th-century couple eloping near a carriage outside a grand stone building, presented in an ornate gold gilt frame. — fig 6. Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

Examples of his paintings can be found at the Musée d'art et d'histoire de Cholet, Nantes Museum, Museum of Berne, Switzerland and also at the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead and the Box, Plymouth.

fig 7. A 19th-century oil painting by Jules Girardet depicting an 18th-century couple eloping near a carriage outside a grand stone building, presented in an ornate gold gilt frame. — fig 7. Historical Genre Oil Painting of a Couple Eloping by Jules Girardet

Presentation: The painting is housed in its original 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.