Fine French Impressionist painting, circa 1950s, by well-listed artist, Leo Fontan.

This painting was done with oils on canvas is signed, lower right, by the artist: "LEO FONTAN". In addition, the title, "Vieilles Maison au Lorraine" (Old House in Lorraine) and the artist's name, are written on the bottom stretcher bar (please see photos).

The painting depicts a village scene in rural France, with a woman feeding a group of chickens in a courtyard. The view is brightly lit and painted in a post-impressionist, modernist manner, with fine brushwork and thick paint covering the surface of the canvas. This work was painted towards the end of Fontan's life and his expertise and experience with the medium is apparent.

Size: Painting: 13" x 16" / Frame: 19" x 22"

Leo Fontan (French, 1884-1965)

Painter, Pastelist, Watercolorist, Illustrator. Born September 23, 1884 at Douchery (Ardennes). Died June 26, 1965 in Annecy (Savoy). Leo Fontan was a painter of genre scenes, portraits, cityscapes, interiors, watercolor, pastel, and decorative illustration. "School of Paris" painter and Art Deco illustrator.

He was a pupil of Luc-Olivier Merson, Leon Bonnat, Fernand Cormon. Based in Paris, he exhibited regularly at the Salon des Artistes French, of which he was a member, and the Salon des Comedians. He received the Alumni Award of Bonnat in 1936 and a silver medal in 1944. He was promoted to Knight of the Legion of Honor. He painted decorative panels for ocean liners during the Art Deco period and was a frequent contributor of illustration to the French magazines, "La Baionnette", "Le Sourire". and the French men's magazine, "Eros".

Leo Fontan is listed in many art references, including ArtNet, AskArt, ArtPrice, and The Benezit Dictionary of Painters and Sculptors. His works, both paintings and illustrations, are included in many important private collections and museums.

This painting is in fine condition with no damage or previous restoration. It does not need to be cleaned and displays beautifully as it is. The frame is probably original to the piece and is also in good condition.

The price of this piece includes insured shipping by UPS Ground within the United States. We are happy to hear from you by e-mail if you have any questions or need more information.