Hugues Merle (French, 1823-1881) Portrait of a Peasant Girl

Description:

Hugues Merle (French, 1823-1881)

Portrait of a Peasant Girl
Signed and dated "Hugues-Merle 1873" u.l., indistinct canvas stencil on the reverse.
Oil on canvas, 22 x 18 1/4 in. (56.9 x 46.4 cm),framed.
Condition: Scattered retouch, surface grime, craquelure.
N.B. Born in Saint-Marcellin, France, in 1823, Merle was renowned for his charming genre scenes depicting familial love, often of the poor. He studied with Léon Cogniet and by 1847 his work was exhibited at the Salons. His sentimental images of poverty and innocence grew to be wildly popular in both France and America. Merle's work is featured in museums around the world.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

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