Portrait Of Two Young Girls - Attributed To Norbert Goeneutte (1854-1894)

Attributed to Norbert GOENEUTTE (1854-1894)
Portrait of Two Young Girls

Oil on panel, 28 x 22.5 cm
19th-century frame

Provenance
Private collection, Paris

What an exquisite find! This impressionist painting attributed to Norbert Goeneutte, an artist sometimes overlooked by his contemporaries, is a true gem. Goeneutte, born in 1854 and having died prematurely in 1894, was a contemporary and friend of greats such as Renoir and Pissarro. Though trained in the academic tradition, Goeneutte aligned himself with the impressionists, adopting their innovative use of light and color.

This work, "Portrait of Two Young Girls," is a typical example of Goeneutte's mastery in capturing the intimacy and gentleness of everyday subjects. The modest size of the oil on panel, 28 x 22.5 cm, reinforces this intimacy, inviting us to look closer. The 19th-century frame that encases the artwork adds a touch of authenticity and elegance.

The painting's provenance, from a private collection in Paris, conjures the image of a work cherished and preserved through the ages. The composition demonstrates Goeneutte's sensitivity to the tenderness of childhood, captured here with almost palpable delicacy. The lively brushstrokes and refined palette are characteristic of Impressionism, a movement that sought to capture the fleeting and ephemeral moments on canvas.

Goeneutte's attention to detail, to the diffused light reflecting on the faces of the young girls, and to the harmony of colors, are testimonials to his artistic skill. This painting is not merely a collector's item; it is an open window to the soul of Impressionism, a celebration of beauty in the simplest of moments. Acquiring a piece of this caliber is sure to delight both novices and seasoned collectors alike.