French Pastoral Oil Painting Signed by Félix Planquette, Late 19th Century

A French pastoral oil painting from the late 19th century by Félix Planquette (1873-1964), depicting a peasant with her cows at a river, set in a giltwood frame. This exquisite French painting features a pastoral scene, organized around three cows peacefully drinking water from a river. Their young shepherdess, dressed in white and blue clothes, stands on the bank. The cow in the center turns her head towards us, looking at us directly. This allows the artist to draw us inside the scene and makes us feel like we are participants. A large part of the composition is dedicated to the river, which reflects the trees and sky beautifully. This humble scene is bathed in a golden light that evokes either a sunrise or sunset. A few houses with thatched roofs are placed under the protection of two tall trees. Félix Planquette was trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts of Lille and exhibited his work at the Salon des Artistes Francais. He was the recipient of the prestigious Rosa Bonheur prize in 1912. He specialized in landscape and wildlife scenes from Normandie, Picardie or the South of France. His works are exhibited in American and French museums. Set inside an exquisitely carved giltwood frame, this oil painting is signed lower right. With its rich palette and serene scene, this French painting will bring a peaceful presence to any space.