Museum quality French Impressionist - Barbizon painting of a small boy playing with his toy boat. Signed and dated 1867.

This painting was done with oils on canvas (re-lined), and is mounted in a thick gold leaf period frame. The painting is signed by the artist on the front, lower left. The signature was etched into the paint while wet and is difficult to read, but appears to be "L. Tissier 1867". Though the signature is indistinct, this painting is quite similar to works by the French artist, Ange Tissier who worked during this time period and painted genre scenes that included pictures of boys at play, much like this painting in both subject matter, style and technique. Even the signature is close to his and it may be possible that this painting can be attributed to him, however I am not quite sure enough to make the attribution.

In addition, there is a paper label on the back of the frame for the Desbordes, Paris, (which may be a gallery or auction house).

The painting measure 8.5" x 10.75" and the frame measures 12.75" x 15".

This painting depicts a young boy near a stream playing with his toy boat, straw hat at his side, with his shoes laying beside him on the ground. He is sitting on a rock and very intent on adjusting the rigging to the sails of the little boat. The composition, lighting, and detail is impressive. There is a soft, atmospheric glow behind the boy's head, and you can see the thin string hanging from the toy boat. The brushwork is very soft, with thicker paint in the lighter areas to bring them forward. The artist (whether Ange Tissier or not) was obviously a highly trained professional of great skill and experience.

This painting is in excellent condition and is ready to display. The painting has been relined, possibly in the 1950's, and may have been cleaned and had some small restorations at that time. There are several very tiny spots of touch-up or in-painting visible under close examination with ultra-violet light, but invisible to the naked eye. The frame is probably original to the painting, shows some wear and looks to have been re-gilded or touched up at one time. The painting deserves a better frame, but displays the painting quite nicely in the mean time.