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Ludovic Alleaume
Leda and the Swan by Ludovic Alleaume

Circa 1920

$98,500
£73,141.36
€85,900.95
CA$137,040.98
A$153,431.25
CHF 80,449.04
MX$1,895,738.29
NOK 1,013,707.84
SEK 956,899.79
DKK 640,926.26
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About the Item

Ludovic Alleaume 1859-1941 French Leda and the Swan Oil on canvas Signed (lower left) This spectacular circular composition by Ludovic Alleaume presents one of mythology's most enduring subjects with extraordinary technical mastery and artistic refinement. Exhibited at the prestigious Salon des Artistes Français in 1920, this Belle Époque masterpiece captures the mythological encounter between Zeus, transformed into a swan, and the mortal Leda with breathtaking beauty and classical sophistication. The work stands as a testament to Alleaume's position among France's most accomplished academic painters of the early 20th century. Alleaume's interpretation of this classical subject demonstrates remarkable technical virtuosity in its rendering of both human form and natural detail. Leda's luminous skin glows with porcelain-like perfection, while the swan's pristine white feathers are depicted with meticulous attention to texture and form. The circular tondo format enhances the intimate nature of the mythological encounter, creating a sense of eternal movement within the composition. The classical gilded laurel leaf frame further emphasizes the work's connection to ancient tradition, while Alleaume's naturalistic approach bridges the gap between classical idealism and Belle Époque sensibility. Ludovic Alleaume achieved considerable recognition during his lengthy career, exhibiting consistently at the Salon des Artistes Français for over five decades before earning exemption from the rigorous application process reserved for the most distinguished artists. His exceptional talent was formally recognized in 1927 when he received the Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, France's highest order of merit. Beyond easel painting, Alleaume distinguished himself in decorative arts, creating notable public commissions including the Caisse d'Epargne ceiling and stained glass windows for Saint-Sulpice de Fougères church. His works are preserved in prestigious institutions including the Musée d'Art in Nantes and the Musée du Vieux-Château in Laval, where this very painting was exhibited in 2014 in the retrospective Ludovic Alleaume, painter and stained glass designer. Painted circa 1920 Canvas: 42" high x 41" wide (106.68 x 104.14 cm) Frame: 54 1/2" high x 54 1/2" wide x 5" deep (138.43 x 138.43 x 12.7 cm) Exhibited: Salon des Artistes Français, Grand Palais, Paris, 1920, no. 23, p. 2 (illustrated under the title Léda) Musée du Vieux-Château, Laval, Ludovic Alleaume, peintre et maître verrier, October 18, 2014 – April 19, 2015, no. 12, p. 16 (illustrated under the title Leda et le cygne) Provenance: Private collection, France M.S. Rau, New Orleans
  • Creator:
    Ludovic Alleaume (1859 - 1941, French)
  • Creation Year:
    Circa 1920
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 54.5 in (138.43 cm)Width: 54.5 in (138.43 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 32-05221stDibs: LU18616550192

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