Balade à Deux

19th-century French School oil on wood panel signed Charles Montlevault (1835-1897) in the lower right. The work is smooth to the touch.

An Impressionist landscape with rapid and compact brushstrokes. The play of light is masterfully portrayed, diffusing naturally and harmonizing with the composition's geometric elements. The vertical lines of the trees on the left create a striking chiaroscuro effect, while smooth lines on the right side offer a contrast against the figures and the body of water. Montlevault, renowned for his ability to convey narratives through his artwork, captures a serene moment filled with gentleness and poetry.

About the artist: Charles Joly, also known as Charles Montlevault, was a talented French Impressionist painter, born on January 15, 1835, in Lyon. He honed his artistic skills at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, where he studied from 1849 to 1853.

Early in his career, Montlevault caught the attention of the esteemed Lyon businessman François-Barthélémy Arlès-Dufour, who invited him to collaborate on artistic endeavors for his House of creation, specializing in silk. This collaboration led Montlevault to embark on travels across North Africa, the Middle East, and various European countries, capturing vibrant views with warm hues and compelling narratives.

While in France, the artist continued to paint landscapes, often showcasing a touch reminiscent of Courbet, revealing his profound emotional connection with nature. He skillfully froze these emotions in color and texture. Montlevault also undertook noteworthy projects, creating decorative works for prestigious establishments in Lyon, such as the Hotel de la Bombarde in Quartier St Jean, Cafe Hugon, and the Salle de l'Academis of the 19th century.

Until his passing in 1897, Montlevault devoted himself to painting landscapes across the Lyon region and Europe. Today, his legacy lives on through several of his works housed at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, where regular retrospectives pay homage to his talent and artistic contributions.

• Overall Size: 16.5" x 20.8" / 42cm x 53.5cm.
  
• Size without the frame: 8.6" x 12.9" / 22cm x 33cm.
  
• Country: France. 
  
• Signed: Charles Montlevault (1835-1897).  
• Date: Late 19th-century.
• Condition: The panel is in very good condition. The old frame has gaps in certain angles.
  
• Materials: Oil on wood with a wood and stucco frame.
• Shipping: Free global DHL Shipping is included with this painting. A surcharge is added for Australia and New Zealand, and Asia.