The Walk

19th-century French School oil on wood panel painting signed by Mallet (19th century) in the lower left.

This peaceful countryside view depicts two figures at the center with discreet yet voluminous brushstrokes. The balance of light and realistic palette adds depth to the landscape, enhanced by the stretched format and textural work. The panel bears traces of a past frame but is in good condition.

About wood panels: In 19th-century France, artists often painted landscapes on wood panels due to several reasons. First, wood panels were more affordable and readily available compared to traditional stretched canvases. This made them an attractive choice for artists, especially those who were just starting out or had limited financial means. Second, wood panels provided a smooth, rigid surface that allowed for precise detailing and fine brushwork, which was essential in capturing the intricacies of landscape scenes. The durability of wood panels also made them more resistant to warping and damage, ensuring the longevity of the artwork. Lastly, the use of wood panels in landscape painting was partly influenced by the Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, whose techniques and subjects were highly admired and emulated by French artists during this period.

• Overall Size: 7.4" x 14.5" / 19.5cm x 37cm.
• Country: France.
• Signed: Mallet (19th century).
• Date: Late 19th century.
• Materials: Oil on wood panel.
• Shipping: Free global shipping to the US and Europe. A surcharge is added for Australia and New Zealand, and Asia.