Antique painting of the Pont D'Avignon JB Brunel (1844-1929) 24¾" x 18"

A lovely oil-on-canvas painting of the renowned Pont D'Avignon, also called Pont Saint-Bénézet signed and dated in the lower right JB Brunel for Jean Baptiste Brunel (1844?-1929). The date is most like 1899 but is difficult to decipher. 

According to the Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Brunel was born in Avignon and was a painter of landscapes. "He was a student of Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury. He received an honorable mention in 1885 and at the Exposition Universelle in 1889, and was a member of the Salon des Artistes Français from 1884."

The famous Pont D'Avignon was built in the twelfth century and once spanned the Rhône River. It stands iconic, though partially destroyed, symbolizing Avignon's history. It is said to have been built by a young shepherd named Bénézet. According to legend, Bénézet claimed to have received a divine vision instructing him to build a bridge across the Rhône River in Avignon. The bridge served as a vital river crossing and facilitated the pilgrimage route to the Avignon Papal Palace.

A lovely piece to hang in a hallway or living room gallery wall, or on its own displayed with an adjustable brass easel on a table.