Beaulieu

20th-century oil painting on hardboard, signed on the reverse Henri Lafresnée (20th century). Several annotations remain visible on the back, including a label bearing the artist’s name and identifying the view as Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. The handwritten inscriptions appear to be by the artist himself and include a personal dedication beginning with “In memory of…”, likely referencing a shared moment with the recipient of the painting. An original label from the historic Parisian art supply house Sennelier also remains attached to the reverse.

A luminous riverside view of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, a village long celebrated for its medieval architecture and gentle light along the Dordogne River. The composition captures the layered rhythm of the landscape particularly beautifully, with stone buildings and château-like forms appearing to rise above the winding river valley, while vegetation dissolves softly into the water’s reflections below.

The brushwork is spontaneous and expressive, with visible movement throughout the composition. More textured passages, particularly within the foreground architecture and sky, suggest occasional palette knife work, bringing depth and materiality to the surface. Bright accents of color contrast harmoniously with softer tonal areas, helping to animate the light across the scene. The effect is further enhanced by the pale carved wooden frame, which complements the palette beautifully.

Located in the Corrèze region, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is today listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and has long attracted painters and travelers for its peaceful riverbanks and picturesque atmosphere, sometimes earning the nickname “the Limousin Riviera.”

Very little information appears to survive today regarding Henri Lafresnée, suggesting an artist who remained within a regional or more private artistic circle. The preserved inscriptions and personal dedication on the reverse nevertheless give the work a particularly touching documentary quality, transforming it into not only a landscape, but also a small fragment of personal history.

• Overall Size: 15.2" x 18.7" / 38.5cm x 47.5cm.
  
• Size without the frame: 9.4" x 12.8" / 24cm x 32.5cm.
• Country of origin: France.
• Signature: Yes, on the back, Henri Lafresnée (20th century).
  
• Creation date: Early 20th century. 
• Conditions: Please note a small impact along the upper horizontal edge of the panel, visible as a dark spot in the sky area, as well as two small paint losses in the lower left corner. Several small stains are also visible along the lower horizontal edge, to the right of the water. The frame presents a few minor losses and impacts, although its overall condition remains very good.
  
• Materials: Oil on hardboard in an antique wooden frame. 
• Shipped with DHL: Complimentary shipping to the US and Europe. A surcharge will be applied for deliveries to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
• DDP shipping: All taxes and import fees are included in the listed price.