19th Century French Pastoral Sheep Painting Attributed to Jules Louis Rame

$2,400

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This refined antique French pastoral oil painting, attributed to Jules Louis Rame, depicts a serene farmyard interior with sheep and a lamb resting on straw, accompanied by chickens in the foreground. Painted in France circa 1890, the composition reflects the enduring popularity of rural animal subjects influenced by Impressionist and Realist traditions. Jules Louis Rame, also known historically as Jules Rame, was a renowned French Impressionist and animal painter, born in Ouezy, Normandy. He studied under Hellouin and Gillard and first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1877, initially presenting landscapes before becoming particularly recognized for his animal paintings, especially scenes featuring sheep. In 1904, Rame became a member of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts of Caen. Coming from humble origins, his father was the village blacksmith and his mother a seamstress. A sickly child, Rame spent long periods drawing to pass the time, revealing an early artistic talent. Building on his academic training, he continued to develop his style largely through self-directed study. His works have appeared at auction on numerous occasions and he is listed in the Bénézit Dictionary of Artists (see last picture). Executed in oil on canvas, the painting features a warm, earthy palette with softly diffused light and careful attention to the texture of wool and straw. Architectural details including a shuttered window, barrel, and fencing provide depth and firmly situate the scene in provincial French country life. The canvas has been lined, a standard conservation practice, and the surface shows stable, age-appropriate craquelure. The painting is housed in its original giltwood frame, dressed with a stepped molding, and inner beaded liner. The frame retains a rich, aged gilded patina with light wear consistent with age, complementing the pastoral subject beautifully. Dimensions: 25.5″ W x 20″ H (framed)

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