19th-century French School, Church Interior with Capuchin Friar - Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This 19th-century oil on canvas depicts a sparse church interior with a seated capuchin friar. It’s an accomplished rendering of light amid the unusual forms of medieval stone.

Before him, a large document spans the width of an oak table. While another hangs from the edge, marked with a seal in red wax. The atmosphere is stark - the cold chill punctuated by a small fire. The friar’s quiet piousness is reflected by a solemn interior devoid of worldly goods.

Half-lit, austere religious interiors were the source of much inspiration for numerous 19th-century artists. Often studying the Old Masters, many sought challenging environments that created an intense contrast of light and shade. To this end, several artists including Jean-Auguste-Dominque Ingres, Antoine-Jean Gros, and François-Marius Granet lived for a while within the confines of a convent - on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris.

Granet was particularly obsessed with the dank stone walls of sparse crypts and produced many notable works for the Salon. His paintings are quiet, unassuming, yet laden with atmosphere. Strong light effects - from bright divine white through to the darkest of mysterious blacks.

The artist here hails from a similar school and would’ve been well aware of Granet’s exhibition pieces. It’s plausible that he/she travelled to Rome to extensively study various churches. The friar’s dedication to the holy book is matched by the artist’s commitment to learn.

Light, divine or otherwise, is the artist’s illusive nirvana.

Held within an exquisite 19th-century gilded Louis XIV revival ogee frame.

Please note that this painting will need to be crated if shipped overseas. A cost for the crate will be added on during checkout.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 40½” x 35½” / 103cm x 89cm

Year of creation: c. 1870

Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Restorations. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

89cm (35.04")

Width

103cm (40.55")

Depth

9cm (3.54")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA956452

Description

This 19th-century oil on canvas depicts a sparse church interior with a seated capuchin friar. It’s an accomplished rendering of light amid the unusual forms of medieval stone.

Before him, a large document spans the width of an oak table. While another hangs from the edge, marked with a seal in red wax. The atmosphere is stark - the cold chill punctuated by a small fire. The friar’s quiet piousness is reflected by a solemn interior devoid of worldly goods.

“

Half-lit, austere religious interiors were the source of much inspiration for numerous 19th-century artists.

Brave Fine Art

Often studying the Old Masters, many sought challenging environments that created an intense contrast of light and shade. To this end, several artists including Jean-Auguste-Dominque Ingres, Antoine-Jean Gros, and François-Marius Granet lived for a while within the confines of a convent - on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris.

fig 1. 19th-Century French School, Church Interior With Capuchin Friar - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. 19th-century French School, Church Interior with Capuchin Friar - Antique Oil Painting

Granet was particularly obsessed with the dank stone walls of sparse crypts and produced many notable works for the Salon. His paintings are quiet, unassuming, yet laden with atmosphere. Strong light effects - from bright divine white through to the darkest of mysterious blacks.

fig 2. 19th-Century French School, Church Interior With Capuchin Friar - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. 19th-century French School, Church Interior with Capuchin Friar - Antique Oil Painting

The artist here hails from a similar school and would’ve been well aware of Granet’s exhibition pieces. It’s plausible that he/she travelled to Rome to extensively study various churches. The friar’s dedication to the holy book is matched by the artist’s commitment to learn.