PAIR OF LEBELLE STILLS UNDER GLASS, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Pair of gouaches in fixé sous verre depicting landscapes, one decorated with a castle and bathing scene, the other depicting a hilly landscape with groves of trees and animated by animals and characters. The finesse of the drawing is extremely precise, all the more so as the difficult technique of fixing under glass is to start with details that are gradually covered by successive layers. Moulded frames in gilded wood. One is signed by Lebelle.

Painting under glass is also known as eludorique painting, a technique invented in the mid-18th century by Arnaud-Vincent de Monpetit. These are small paintings on very thin canvas, glued and fixed under a protective glass. Louis-Nicolas and Henri-Joseph van Blarenberghe were two Lille-born brothers who painted in gouache during the 18th century. Their style was similar, and they often worked together on the same painting. They specialized in seascapes and scenes of military encampments and battles. Miniatures painted by both brothers often decorated snuffboxes and small objets d'art.

19th century

Circa: 1810

Dimensions without frame: W:17.5cm, H:12.5cm.

Dimensions with frame: W:20cm, D:2cm, H:14,5cm.

Condition report: very good.