FRANCOIS B. DE BLOIS (CANADIAN/AMERICAN, 1829-1913)

Barnyard Scene in D'Huyson, France (1878)

Oil on canvsa | signed lower left "FB de Blois / d'Huyson / -1878-"

Item # 103XGP23A 

A fine and rather large original painting by François B. de Blois depicting a rural barnyard with roaming chickens beneath brilliant blue skies, the work is beautifully textured with intricately layered pigments making up each element of the composition. The buildings show their age with rich stone peeking through the crumbling stucco covered in traces of old paint while the thatched roofs and piles of hay glow in the afternoon sun. The work is signed in the lower left corner and also denotes the location of the scene as being d'Huyson, France. This is not the first time de Blois painted this region, as he is recorded exhibiting Winter Scene - d'Huyson, France in 1882 at the National Academy of Design in New York.

Artist Listings & Bibliography:

• Exhibitions of the National Academy, 1861-1900, Vol. I, Kennedy Galleries, 1973, p. 68

Measurements: 26 " H x 34 7/8" W [canvas]; 39" H x 47 5/8" W x 3 1/4" D [frame]

Condition Report:
Professionally conserved, cleaned and a new Damar varnish applied. Original lining and original stretchers. Old patch verso repairing a hole in center of painting. Under UV showing flaring throughout from fresh varnish somewhat obscuring surface from examination; inpaint to the hole in center of painting; craquelure throughout, particularly in the sky region. Frame is of the period and perhaps the first frame for the painting with minor gilt losses and chipping throughout. A very fine work in ready-to-place condition.