Constant Le Breton

Constant Le Breton (French, 1895-1985)

Péniche à Mont Jean / Péniche à Mont Jean (Maine et Loire)

Oil on canvas, signed lower right C. Le Breton

A fine original oil painting by French artist Constant Le Breton, depicting a tranquil river scene with a péniche/barge moored near Mont Jean in Maine-et-Loire. The work is beautifully atmospheric, with soft muted tones, reflective water, riverside buildings and a strong sense of French mid-century landscape painting.

The painting is signed C. Le Breton lower right and is further inscribed on the stretcher with the title Péniche à Mont Jean / Maine et Loire.

The reverse carries several important historic labels, including:

Provenance:

Collection of His Honour Judge Trevor Morgan

Exhibited:

Aberystwyth, National Library of Wales, June 1950, label on frame

London, Marlborough Fine Art Ltd, French Landscape by Contemporary French Painters, October 1950, no. 37, label on frame

Swansea, The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Some Modern French Paintings and Drawings, no. 35, label on frame

The Marlborough Fine Art label describes the work as:

Constant Le Breton

“Péniche à Mt. Jean”

Oil on canvas, 26 x 21½ inches

No. 37 in the Exhibition of French Landscape by Contemporary French Painters, October 1950

A very attractive and well-documented example of Le Breton’s work, with desirable exhibition history and period gallery labels. The river subject, French location, and historic provenance make this a strong piece for collectors of French modern painting, mid-century landscape art, and Loire / Maine-et-Loire subjects.

Original vintage oil on canvas in ornate gilt frame. The painting presents well, with visible age-related surface texture, minor marks, light surface dirt, and craquelure/age wear consistent with a mid-century oil painting. Frame has noticeable age-related wear, rubbing, losses, chips and patina to the gilt finish. Verso retains several important old gallery/exhibition labels and handwritten inscriptions. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the condition description.

Measurements

Overall framed size: 83 x 71 cm

Overall framed size in inches: approx. 32.7 x 28 inches

Actual canvas / visible artwork size: 54 x 65 cm

Actual size in inches: approx. 21.25 x 25.6 inches