Signature lower left: Paul Louis Narcisse Grolleron (1848 - 1901). The French painter and illustrator, Paul Grolleron, remains best known for his many well-observed images of the Franco-Prussian war, which varied in mood between the quotidian, the dramatic and the poignant.
Size app.: 46 cm x 55 cm (roughly 18.1 x 21.6 in) and beautiful antique frame ca 58 cm x 67 cm (roughly 22.8 x 26.37 in). Very Good condition, with average wear and restoration (few repairs, retouches). Please study good resolution images for overall cosmetic condition. In person actual painting may appear darker or brighter than in our pictures, strictly depending on sufficient light in your environment. Weight of app. 3.2 kg is going to measure some 5 kg packed for shipment.
Paul Grolleron intended to become a decorative artist, but his studies in Paris under the influential teacher and portrait painter, Léon Bonnat, led him to specialise in genre paintings, which he exhibited at the Salon from 1873. Increasingly he focussed on historical and military subjects, and particularly scenes of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, which were appreciated by both the public and the academic juries. he won a third class medal at the Salon of 1886, a bronze medal at the exposition Universelle of 1889, and a second class medal ‘hors concours’ at the Salon of 1894.By 1893, he had moved away to 66 Rue Boursault. The Batignolles quarter was popular with artists at this time. He was one of a small group of painters who were inspired by the picturesque qualities of the Morbihan area of Brittany. He is said to have been married to the actress, Marthe Dufrêne, who died in 1904.