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L'averse

Discover Louis Léopold Boilly (1761-1845), the master of French portraiture & genre scenes! Explore his detailed depictions of 18th/19th century life.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
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Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
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Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
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Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218G $10
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W218JH $8
Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W398PJ $8
Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick
W940BG $15
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Total Price

$ 81

L'averse

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Location: Louvre Museum, Paris
  • Artistic style: Neoclassical influence
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Notable elements or techniques: Trompe-l'œil; Detailed realism
  • Influences: French Romanticism
  • Title: L'averse
  • Artist: Louis Léopold Boilly

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the predominant color palette of ‘L’averse’?
Question 2:
The painting depicts a scene from which historical period?
Question 3:
What artistic style is most closely associated with Louis Léopold Boilly’s work?
Question 4:
The artist employed what technique to create a sense of realism in the painting?
Question 5:
What is one symbolic element present in ‘L’averse’?

L'averse: A Snapshot of Parisian Life in Watercolor

Louis Léopold Boilly’s “L’averse,” painted circa 1805, isn’t merely a depiction of rain; it’s a meticulously crafted tableau capturing the essence of early 19th-century Parisian society. More than just an observation of weather conditions, this genre painting delves into social dynamics and offers a poignant glimpse into daily life during Napoleon III's reign.

  • Composition & Perspective: The scene unfolds on a bustling city street viewed from slightly elevated position, skillfully employing linear perspective to create depth. Diagonal lines formed by the street and umbrellas inject dynamism into the canvas, guiding the viewer’s eye across the composition. Boilly arranges figures strategically – clustered in the foreground and diminishing towards the background – mirroring the visual language of Neoclassicism but tempered with a naturalistic sensibility.
  • Color Palette & Lighting: Dominated by muted grays, browns, and creams reflecting the overcast sky, “L’averse” avoids flamboyant hues. However, splashes of color emerge in umbrellas (primarily red and green) and clothing details, subtly highlighting social distinctions. Soft diffused lighting emanating from an unseen source illuminates the figures evenly, fostering a contemplative mood.
  • Technique & Detail: Executed in oil on canvas with painstaking precision, Boilly’s technique showcases layering and blending of colors to achieve subtle gradations in tone and texture. Visible brushstrokes contribute to realism, particularly in areas depicting fabric and foliage—a hallmark of Boilly's style.
  • Symbolism & Narrative: The rain serves as a catalyst for observing human behavior. The elegant attire of some individuals contrasts sharply with the hurried movements of others, hinting at social hierarchies prevalent during the period. Notably, Boilly captures a mother delicately lifting her dress while holding her dog—a gesture imbued with tenderness and reflecting the domestic sphere.
  • Historical Context: Created during Napoleon III’s rule, “L’averse” reflects the anxieties and aspirations of a society grappling with modernization. It's a testament to Boilly's ability to transform everyday occurrences into powerful statements about human experience—a skill that cemented his reputation as one of France’s foremost genre painters.

This artwork transcends mere representation; it invites contemplation on themes of social interaction, fashion, and the transient beauty of a rainy day. Its meticulous detail and evocative atmosphere make “L’averse” an enduring symbol of Parisian life in the early Romantic era—a piece that continues to resonate with viewers today.

Questions & Answers

Which artist is "L'averse" attributed to?

"L'averse" was created by Louis Léopold Boilly. The information on this page describes Louis Léopold Boilly's original work.

Toward which tone does "L'averse" lean?

"L'averse" leans toward an ochre to sepia tone.

Is "L'averse" held in the country of its creator?

Yes - the artwork is kept in the artist's home country. The artist's birth country is France, and the museum holding the original is in France.

Who sells hand-painted copies of "L'averse" by Louis Léopold Boilly?

You can order a hand-painted reproduction of "L'averse" by Louis Léopold Boilly directly on this page: a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas, made to order.

Which period of Louis Léopold Boilly's career does "L'averse" belong to?

"L'averse" represents the Early Romantic of Louis Léopold Boilly.

How strong is the contrast in "L'averse" by Louis Léopold Boilly?

"L'averse" by Louis Léopold Boilly shows a balanced contrast between its light and dark areas.

Is "L'averse" available as a fine art print?

"L'averse" is available as a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper. Orders are placed on this page, in the size of your choice.


Artist Biography

Louis Léopold Boilly: A Life in Portraiture and Parisian Society

  • Born: July 5, 1761, La Bassée, France
  • Died: January 4, 1845, Paris, France

Early Life and Artistic Development

  • Boilly's artistic journey began early; he produced works as young as twelve. Largely self-taught, his initial training included trompe-l’oeil painting under Dominique Doncre.
  • His talent was recognized by the Augustinians of Douai in 1774, leading to an invitation from the Bishop of Arras. This period saw him create over three hundred small portrait paintings.
  • Early works often featured amorous and moralizing subjects, demonstrating a developing skill in capturing likenesses and details.

Artistic Style and Key Works

  • Style: Boilly's style is characterized by meticulous detail, careful coloring, and a focus on depicting everyday life within the French middle class. He skillfully blended portraiture with genre scenes.
  • Evolution: After 1794, his compositions became more crowded, reflecting the bustling social scene of Paris. His portraits gained widespread acclaim, with over 5,000 painted throughout his career.
  • Notable Works:
    • The Suitor's Gift – An early work showcasing amorous themes and meticulous detail.
    • Triumph of Marat – A patriotic piece created to avoid condemnation during the Reign of Terror.
    • The Arrival of a Mail-Coach in the Courtyard of the Messageries – A vibrant depiction of Parisian life and transportation.
  • Optical Illusions: Boilly was fascinated by optics, as demonstrated in works like *Un Trompe-l'œil*, which introduced the term to describe his technique of creating realistic imagery that mimics three-dimensional objects.

Recognition and Legacy

  • Salon Success: Boilly received a medal from the Paris Salon in 1804, solidifying his reputation as a skilled artist.
  • Honors: He was decorated as a Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur in 1833, recognizing his contributions to French art.
  • Family Influence: His son, Alphonse Boilly, became a professional engraver and apprenticed in New York with Asher Brown Durand.
  • Historical Significance: Boilly’s work provides invaluable insights into the social customs, fashion, and daily life of the French middle class during a period of significant political upheaval. He is remembered as one of France's most celebrated portraitists and genre painters.

Museum Holdings

  • Musée des Beaux Arts, Lille: Holds Triumph of Marat among other works.
  • Louvre Museum: Features selections from Boilly’s extensive oeuvre.
  • National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.): Possesses several paintings including *Self-Portrait*, *Les Amateurs de Tableaux* and *The Public in the Salon of the Louvre, Viewing the Painting of the "Sacre"*.
  • Getty Museum: Holds a collection of Boilly's works.
Louis Léopold Boilly

Louis Léopold Boilly

1761 - 1845 , France

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Louis Léopold Boilly
  • Nationality: French
  • Date Of Birth: 1761
  • Date Of Death: 1845
  • Place Of Birth: Le Baset, France
  • Notable Artworks:
    • The Suitor's Gift
    • Triumph of Marat
    • Arrival of a Mail-Coach
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Genre painting, Portraiture
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Gabriel Metsu
    • Willem van Mieris
    • Gerard ter Borch
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