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Fanch LelFrench Expressionist Oil of Village with Church Under Stormy Sky
About the Item
Title: French Expressionist Oil of Village with Church Under Stormy Sky
By Fanch Lel
Signed: yes
Size: 15 x 18 inches (height x width)
Oil painting on board, unframed
Condition: The painting is in good condition with minor signs of wear and handling along the edges consistent with age.
Provenance: All the paintings we have for sale by this artist have come from the artists estate and have had no previous owners at all.
Description:
This bold and emotive painting by French artist Fanch Lel presents an evocative view of a rural village gathered under a looming stormy sky. Central to the composition is a cluster of rustic buildings—including what appears to be a Romanesque church with a squat bell tower—bathed in ghostly light against a moody grey backdrop. The architecture is rendered in thick impasto, with walls glowing in pale cream, peach, and slate blue tones, evoking the flicker of light before a coming storm.
Executed in oil on board, Lel’s approach here leans into expressionism, with highly textured surfaces, energetic brushstrokes, and moody abstraction replacing literal realism. The darker sky, splashed with cooler tones and broken pigment, presses down on the glowing village below, enhancing the contrast and atmosphere. There is a palpable sense of isolation and quiet power—suggesting the resilience of the old stone settlement against the elements.
Though the exact location is unspecified, the church architecture hints at central or southwestern France, where hilltop villages with stone churches dot the countryside. The presence of a waterline below suggests the village may sit on a riverbank or lake, adding a subtle reflection that enhances the composition’s vertical balance.
This work is ideal for collectors drawn to dramatic, painterly interpretations of the French landscape, especially those with a preference for expressive handling and architectural focus. A commanding piece with emotional weight, it brings an air of mystery and raw beauty into any interior.
- Creator:Fanch Lel (1930, French)
- Dimensions:Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Diameter: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Cirencester, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU509316308032
Fanch Lel
Fanch Lel’s paintings, primarily executed in oil and gouache, evoke the serenity and charm of the French countryside, with a particular emphasis on the region's coastal and rural beauty. His works often highlight iconic landmarks such as Mont Saint-Michel and capture the essence of Breton culture with his portrayals of the region’s people and customs. Lel's self-taught, plein air approach allows for dynamic compositions that reflect the atmospheric light and textures of the region, giving his pieces a timeless appeal. His choice of soft, muted colors and rich textures brings a sense of nostalgia and quietude to each painting, making them a perfect addition to collections that appreciate mid-century French art. A member of the Société des Artistes Indépendants and a Knight of the Palmes Académiques, Fanch Lel's works have been featured in numerous exhibitions across France, including in Paris, Avranches, Dinard, and Pont-Aven, to name a few. His art has been highly sought after by collectors for decades.
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Cirencester, United Kingdom
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