HENRI LEBASQUE (FRENCH, 1865-1937)

Footnote
Lebasque moved to the small town of Lagny on the banks of the Marne in 1900.  The river provided constant inspiration and subject matter in the first decade of the twentieth century and, in keeping with his Impressionist contemporaries, Lebasque painted similar views of the same scene, exploring the play of light on water depending on the time of day, weather and season.  The leafless trees, the fusion of green and mauve with highlights of ochre, create the harmonious, serene but invigorating atmosphere of a winter's day. 

'To paint in light and joy, spontaneously, lightly and without apparent effort, seems to be the function and genius of Henri Lebasque. No learned system, laboriously constructed, no formulas, no genres, or rather he touches all of them, except the boring ones. He paints everything that lives and everything that charms: women, flowers, children, sky and water. A light, limpid air bathes his entire oeuvre, which lingers neither on serious subjects, sad effects nor muted hues: nature always seems to be celebrating with him.' 
- P. Vitry, Henry Lebasque, (Georges Petit, Henry Floury, Paris, 1928)

Condition report

Canvas relined; the paint surface appears to be in good, clean condition; ultraviolet reveals retouching to an approximately 6cm cross-shaped tear, upper left, between the buildings and further overpainting throughout the sky, some further patches to the river.