Large Early 20th-Century French Genre Painting by Charles Fouqué (1841–1919) - 43" x 32¼"

This genre painting by Charles Fouqué (1841–1919), an oil on canvas from the early 1900s, depicts a serene domestic scene in a Provençal farmhouse during winter. A woman, dressed in a striped blouse and white apron, stands at a rustic wooden table preparing food. The surrounding elements convey a sense of warmth and tradition: terracotta ‘tomette’ tiles cover the floor, while a white tureen and various earthenware vessels rest on the table and ground. In the background, a wooden armoire, a hanging hat, and a corner water fountain add depth and authenticity to the depiction of a 19th-century rural interior. The soft natural lighting enhances the tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing the everyday beauty of simple domestic labor. Note repairs to canvas (as seen on back).

Charles-Amand-Patient Fouqué (1841–1919) was a French genre painter and portraitist born in Avranches. He trained under Louis-François Loir and spent over four decades as a drawing instructor in Avranches. His works, deeply rooted in the realism of the 19th century, often depicted scenes of everyday life with meticulous attention to composition and detail. He exhibited at the Paris Salon and various regional art societies, gaining recognition for his sensitive portrayals of domestic interiors and working-class subjects.

In addition to his artistic career, Fouqué was entrusted with the conservation of paintings for the Avranches Museum. Unfortunately, most of his works housed there were lost in a devastating fire in 1899 and subsequent destruction during World War II bombings. In 1906, he relocated to Thonon-les-Bains but later returned to Avranches after World War I. He passed away in 1919 in Saint-Pierre-Église. Despite the loss of many of his paintings, Fouqué's legacy endures through private collections and public exhibitions, reflecting his deep appreciation for the nuances of daily life in provincial France.