Waiting on the Steps – original vintage French genre oil painting by Pierre

Pierre Edouard Frère
Paris, France; probably third quarter of the 19th century
Oil on canvas; probably contemporary giltwood carved frame

Approximate size: 8.75 x 6 in. (painting); 16 x 13.5 in. (with frame)

This humble painting of a French boy waiting on steps is emblematic of Pierre Edouard Frère’s career works. Apart from a small series of Orientalist paintings from a tour of Egypt in 1860, Frère’s work almost exclusively focused on humble genre scenes of life in France during the last third of the 19th century. As one of the most successful painters of this school, Frère’s paintings were first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1843 and continued to be exhibited during the course of his career. His brother, Charles-Théodor was also a successful painter, as well as his son, Charles Edouard. In his later years Frère ran a successful painting school in Ecouen.

The present painting descends from Frère’s studio sale in 1887.

Condition: Very good. Minor bubbling to gilding on lower filet margin of frame.

Provenance: Christie’s auction, 2001 and before that, the artist’s studio sale at Christie’s auction, 31 March 1887.