Eugene Petit (1839-1886)
| Artist Name | Eugene Petit (1839-1886) |
|---|---|
| Title | Chrysanthemums in Urn with Silver Tray and Jug |
| Description | This beautiful large French 19th century floral still life oil painting is by noted French still life artist Eugene Petit. Painted in 1875 and signed and dated lower right it has previously graced the walls of Donnington Castle House in Berkshire. The composition is of white, pink and red chrysanthemums in a brass urn on a green draped table. The background is also green. In front of the urn is a silver tray with a jug, spoon and peach on it. To the right on the table are grapes and an opened peach. The whole arrangement is informal, the chrysanthemums falling in all directions on their long stems, the green drape pulled back on the table, the spoon not fully on the tray. The depiction of the different textures - the soft flowers, the silver jug and its reflections, the fuzzy peach skin - are all superb, as is the brushwork and detail. One can appreciate why it had pride of place at Donnington and this is an excellent example of Petit's work. It is a stunning painting. Signed and dated 'Eugene Petit 75' lower right. |
| Provenance | Christie's, South Kensington, '19th Century European Art', 4 December 2003, lot 94; Donnington Castle House, Newbury, Berkshire. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 50 x 37 inches |
| Frame | Housed in an ornate gilt frame. Framed size is 57 inches by 44 inches and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Biography | Eugène Petit (1839–1886) was a French flower painter and textile designer. Petit was born in Paris in 1839 and died there in 1886. He was a pupil of Muller and Dieterle. He first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1863 and was awarded a bronze medal in 1873. He briefly taught the American painter Henry Woodbridge Parton, c.1875. He specialized in still life paintings of flowers and fruits, as well as sporting dogs. His work has been found in museums in Carcassonne, Compiègne, Courtrai, Rouen and Saint-Etienne in France as well as The Sladmore Gallery in London. |
| Price | £14000 |
