19th C. French Oil Painting with Herd in Carved Frame Signed Théodore Levigne

$3,975

About

This antique oil on canvas painting by Théodore Levigne (1848–1912) captures a tranquil riverside scene at sunrise, as a herder leads cattle and sheep along a winding path beneath golden autumn trees. The reflective surface of the pond mirrors the softened sky and foliage, while the warm palette and expressive brushwork lend a lyrical, pastoral charm to the composition. Measuring 30.5 inches wide by 23 inches high including the frame, the painting is signed in the lower right corner. Levigne was born in Lyon and trained at the École des Beaux-Arts de Lyon under Joseph Guichard. A respected figure of the Lyon School, he regularly exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français and became known for his richly detailed landscapes, animal studies, and mural commissions. His works combine Barbizon-style plein air sensibility with academic precision, often portraying the fading rhythms of rural life in the Rhône-Alpes region. Influenced by both Barbizon naturalism and academic draftsmanship, Levigne developed a reputation as a sensitive animalier and atmospheric landscapist. This composition exemplifies his strengths: sculptural handling of livestock, vibrant autumnal color, and a mastery of atmosphere and light. The piece is housed in an ornately carved antique wooden frame with scrolling foliate motifs, complementing the romantic, nostalgic tone of the scene. A graceful and well-balanced work by a noted 19th-century French painter, in excellent condition commensurate with age.

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