LÉON AUGUSTIN LHERMITTE (FRENCH, 1844-1925)

The artist’s native town of Mont-Saint-Père provided endless inspiration for numerous works throughout his career. Lhermitte was able to 'find subjects for pictures often two yards from the large garden adjoining his home,' exemplified by the intimate, expertly drafted winter setting depicted in Mont-Saint-Père sous la neige ou Effet de neige (F. Lees, 'The Artist in Paris: the Work of Léon Lhermitte', The Artist, vol. 23, 2 October 1898, p. 84). An homage to the picturesque streets of his beloved hometown, this atmospheric scene offers a snapshot of the artist’s personal life and a glimpse into the medium which found him initial success in the early 1870s. The artist’s ethereal charcoal drawings appealed to the art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel and resulted in a reliable foundation of clientele in the early days of his career.

It is evident why Lhermitte’s precocious drawing skill won him a grant and resulted in him joining the ranks of students attending the National School of Art in the Rue de l’École de Médecine at the age of 19. The significance of drawing to Lhermitte’s oeuvre cannot be overstated. It is delicate, atmospheric works such as Mont-Saint-Père sous la neige ou Effet de neige which led the French poet Théodore de Banville to proclaim 'in [Lhermitte’s] hands charcoal and black chalk are like magical tools' (M. Le Pelley Fonteny, exh. cat., Los Angeles, Galerie Michael, Léon Lhermitte (1844-1925), November - December 1989, p. 2).

We are grateful to Comité Léon Lhermitte for confirming the authenticity of this lot in 2014.