Works inspired by Britanny

Visit to the virgin of Bénodet

Eugène BULAND (1852-1926)

1898

Enlarge picture jpg 195Ko (See the caption hereafter) (modal window)
Eugène Buland (1852-1926) Bretons en prière, 1898, huile sur toile © musée des beaux-arts de Quimper

Oil on canvas

55-65

Acquired from the artist in 1899

H. 115 cm - L. 147 cm

The subject is not clear.  Is this a couple making a wish to have a child or to gain more material wealth?  The artist has « manipulated » the space by placing the Pieta in a recess in the aisle of Saint-Thomas Church in Bénodet, even though she was actually some distance away.  He writes his signature and date on the wall, as for a votive offering.   He has used an employee from the neighbouring hotel and a street haberdasher as models for the couple.  The result is a scene of devotion with a truly Breton character, and its illusionist, almost hyperrealist aspects are intriguing. 

Works inspired by Britanny

Visit to the virgin of Bénodet

Eugène BULAND (1852-1926)

1898

Enlarge picture jpg 195Ko (See the caption hereafter) (modal window)
Eugène Buland (1852-1926) Bretons en prière, 1898, huile sur toile © musée des beaux-arts de Quimper

Oil on canvas

55-65

Acquired from the artist in 1899

H. 115 cm - L. 147 cm

The subject is not clear.  Is this a couple making a wish to have a child or to gain more material wealth?  The artist has « manipulated » the space by placing the Pieta in a recess in the aisle of Saint-Thomas Church in Bénodet, even though she was actually some distance away.  He writes his signature and date on the wall, as for a votive offering.   He has used an employee from the neighbouring hotel and a street haberdasher as models for the couple.  The result is a scene of devotion with a truly Breton character, and its illusionist, almost hyperrealist aspects are intriguing. 

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