catalog text
"FARMYARD WITH POULTRY" PAINTING BY THÉOPHILE VICTOR ÉMILE LEMMENS (FRENCH, 1821-67)
In oil on panel, signed lower right "E. Lemmens"; stamped panel verso "TACHET BREVETE A PARIS"
Item # 911TRA09P
A fine barnyard scene, this bright and optimistic work is a cheery little painting that brilliantly navigates the use of light in a complex ground and chaotic group of birds. The chickens are each lit with exacting technical precision, the translucent shadows spilling at odd angles against the hill and pile of golden hay on the ground, all while a tree from out of field casts dense shadows across the green grasses. In the background a series of roofs outline a small village that overlooks the ocean. Inordinately well detailed for such a small work, it is a very fine selection. The work is signed lower right "E. Lemmens" and is stamped verso TACHET BREVETE A PARIS.
Théophile Victor Émile Lemmens was born in Senlis, France in 1821. He studied under Louis Lasalle and exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1842-1866. His work primarily focused on farmyard scenes, genre paintings of rural figures and countryside landscapes, but he also produced numerous paintings of mythological subjects.
Literature & Further Reading:
- E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. VIII, 2006, p. 809-10
Measurements: 9 3/8" W x 6 1/4" H [panel]; 10 7/8" H x 14 1/4" W x 1 1/4" D [frame]
Condition Report:
Professionally cleaned and conserved. Housed in an early (and likely original) giltwood frame with extensive edge losses. Under UV showing a chip loss touch up lower left corner, a few speck of touch ups in sky (one upper left and three right). Light craquelure throughout.