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Fanch LelFrench Winter Cathedral Scene with Snow and Figures in Thick Impasto
$673.67
£490
€576.43
CA$922.29
A$1,033.26
CHF 537.81
MX$12,583.17
NOK 6,851.02
SEK 6,451.72
DKK 4,302.95
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About the Item
Title: French Winter Cathedral Scene with Snow and Figures in Thick Impasto
by Fanch Lel
Size: 10.75 inches (height) x 8.5 inches (width)
Medium: Oil on board, unframed
Condition: The painting is in good condition with slight edge wear consistent with age.
Provenance: All the paintings we have for sale by this artist have come from the artist’s estate and have had no previous owners at all.
Description:
This richly textured oil painting by French artist Fanch Lel captures a striking winter scene set before a Gothic-style cathedral, likely in a historic French town. Painted in Lel’s distinctive impressionist manner, the entire composition is built up in thick impasto strokes that give a three-dimensional quality to both architecture and atmosphere.
The central spire rises dramatically against a pale, snow-laden sky, rendered in a mosaic of light greys, creams, and icy blues. Each stroke conveys both the chill and light of a bright winter’s day. The cathedral’s arched façade and ornate stonework are suggested through confident dabs and ridges of paint, capturing the texture of weathered stone and snow accumulation with expressive force.
In the foreground, five darkly dressed figures walk along a snow-covered path, their movements partially obscured by the painterly surface. The figures are dressed in long winter coats and hats, possibly locals moving through the town square. Their black and navy forms contrast sharply with the luminous snow, enhancing the visual rhythm and sense of depth.
The overall effect is one of quiet grandeur and fleeting motion. The heavy texture of the paint suggests not just the look, but the physical feel of snow and cold, while the church’s imposing presence reminds the viewer of France’s enduring architectural heritage.
Ideal for collectors of European winter scenes, architectural painting, or textured impressionist work, this piece captures both the stillness and subtle human narrative of a snowy day.
- Creator:Fanch Lel (1930, French)
- Dimensions:Height: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Width: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Cirencester, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU509316284312
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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