Animated landscape around a Cathedral ruin, Fleury Epinat (1764-1830)

Animated landscape around a Cathedral ruin

56 x 78 cm (SC) - 68 x 90.5cm (Ac)

Oil on canvas Signed and dated: Epinat 1817

Fleury Epinat's painting depicts an animated landscape in the setting of a Cathedral ruin. The artist skilfully captures the scene's mystical yet desolate atmosphere. The dark hues and play of light highlight the decaying architectural details, creating an impression of majestic decay. The ruins of the cathedral seem to harbor a new life, whether through the presence of people or animals going about their business. This juxtaposition between devastation and enduring life offers a poignant and contemplative vision of the passage of time and the perseverance of life in the midst of destruction.


Museums

Lyon: La fraîche matinée, le quartier de Saint-Jean, Le vieux pont au Change (watercolor)
Montpellier: Two views of Florence (sepia)
Rouen Museum of Fine Arts
Musée de brou (Bourg-en Bresse)