Wilfrid‑Constant Beauquesne (1847-1913)

Oil on canvas technique on support Title of the work: "Historical Oil “Sebastopol” – Battle Scene of the Crimean War" Author: Wilfrid‑Constant Beauquesne (1847-1913) - French School 19th century Period: 19th century Country of origin: France Good condition considering its age and use Overall dimensions: 34.5 x 42.5 cm with frame; 24.5 x 33 cm the canvas. Small but intense oil on canvas with a historical-military theme, probably related to the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War (1853‑1856). In the upper left corner appears the inscription “Sevl !!!”, which reinforces the reference to Sevastopol, while the signature, located in the lower area, reads as “J´ap Beauquesne”. The work was acquired in France at an auction house under the authorial attribution of the painter Wilfrid‑Constant Beauquesne (1847‑1913), known for his battle scenes and depictions of conflicts of the 19th century. The composition shows a French officer in a dark uniform in the foreground, standing beside a piece of artillery, surrounded by fallen soldiers, helmets, remnants of equipment and a battlefield landscape devastated by combat. The sky laden with smoke and the warm range of ochres, reds and yellows in the terrain convey the violence of the fight and the dramatic atmosphere of the battlefield. Despite the relatively small format (33 x 24 cm of the canvas), the artist concentrates a great narrative energy: the officer’s posture, the fallen bodies and the scattered cannons build a scene of heroism and tragedy very characteristic of late 19th century French battle painting. Wilfrid‑Constant Beauquesne (Rennes, 1847 – Montgeron, 1913) was a French painter specialized in military scenes. A pupil of Horace Vernet and Émile Vernet‑Lecomte at the École des Beaux‑Arts in Paris, he mainly depicted episodes of the Franco‑Prussian War of 1870 and other contemporary conflicts, with works such as Prise de la ferme de Servigny par le 11e chasseurs, Le Calvaire de Woerth or scenes of Bazeilles, many of them preserved in the Musée de l’Armée in Paris. He regularly exhibited at the Paris Salon between 1880 and 1899 and is regarded as one of the battle painters who best combined historical rigor and dramatic staging in France during the Third Republic. This oil fits within that thematic universe, but transposed to the theater of the Crimean War, where the defense of Sevastopol became a recurring motif in engravings, photographs and historical paintings. Given its format, it could be a study or a preparatory “maquette” for a larger composition, something common in Beauquesne, who worked from small oils before executing salon-sized canvases. The signature “J´ap Beauquesne” and the inscription “Sevl !!!” should be explicitly mentioned in the catalog description, as well as the fact that the attribution to Wilfrid‑Constant Beauquesne is based on the cataloging by the French auction house where it was acquired and on stylistic comparison with known works by the artist. Canvas measures: approximately 33 x 24 cm; with period wooden frame, which enhances its collectible character. Condition: good for its age, with possible small craquelures, light abrasions and superficial dirt consistent with an oil painting from the late 19th century; the color retains strength and the scene remains clear. A piece recommended for collectors of military painting, enthusiasts of Crimean War history and connoisseurs of 19th century French war iconography. The shipment of the product will be borne by the buyer and calculated based on dimensions, weight and destination. Shipping costs include professional custom packaging, as well as a personalized shipment with tracking number and guaranteed delivery. The frame protecting the work is offered as a courtesy, though it has its own value. It is delivered at no additional cost so that the work can be exhibited immediately at its destination. No claims or cancellation requests will be accepted for damages to the frame that do not affect the integrity of the artwork. The buyer will be responsible for paying duties and taxes applicable in the destination country, if any. The seller disclaims any responsibility for these charges, which are determined and demanded by the customs authorities of the destination country. If an export permit is required, the corresponding costs will be borne by the buyer and will vary according to the value of the work.

Estimation:€800

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