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L’Heure du goûter! by Jules-Émile Saintin
- A tender moment unfolds in this charcoal drawing by Jules-Émile Saintin
- The scene is intricately rendered with details such as a clock, fine porcelain and delicate cups
- Saintin’s ability to infuse luminosity into a monochrome drawing speaks to his refined technique
- Saintin is an accomplished portraitist and was awarded the Legion of Honor
- Get complete item description here
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1829-1894 | French
L’Heure du goûter!
(Snack Time!)
Signed "Jules-Émile Saintin" (lower right)
Charcoal and white chalk on paper
A tender moment unfolds as a young girl leans over her bowl of soup, savoring her midday snack with focus and delight. Her spoon rests beside a slice of bread on the polished tabletop, while a cup, perhaps filled with tea or chocolate, and a second piece of bread complete the. . .
1829-1894 | French
L’Heure du goûter!
(Snack Time!)
Signed "Jules-Émile Saintin" (lower right)
Charcoal and white chalk on paper
A tender moment unfolds as a young girl leans over her bowl of soup, savoring her midday snack with focus and delight. Her spoon rests beside a slice of bread on the polished tabletop, while a cup, perhaps filled with tea or chocolate, and a second piece of bread complete the simple yet cozy scene. Nearby, her stuffed toy lies temporarily forgotten atop a shawl, hinting at the world of play just briefly paused.
The setting is intricately detailed. The dining room showcases a marble fireplace adorned with a clock, fine porcelain and delicate cups. Saintin’s composition captures the quiet grace of the moment as well as the interplay of light and texture, skillfully rendered using only charcoal and white chalk. His ability to infuse luminosity into a monochrome drawing speaks to his refined technique and observational sensitivity. This work resonates with Saintin’s charming studies of children during his American period, such as A Little Girl Dozing Over Her Drawing (possibly a portrait of Jennie Walters), now in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.
Born in 1829 in Lemé, Saintin began painting at age 11 and was admitted to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris by 16. Trained under Martin Drölling and Édouard Picot, he became an accomplished portraitist and debuted at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1848, earning several medals.
In 1853, he moved to New York to work in a photography studio, soon dedicating himself fully to painting. He exhibited regularly at the National Academy of Design—becoming a member in 1858—and gained a strong reputation for his portraits of American elites, as well as for his depictions of landscapes and Native American clothing.
Returning to France in 1860, Saintin continued to paint prominent sitters, including Princess Mathilde. Encouraged by his friend Paul Baudry, he also explored intimate genre scenes such as L’Heure du goûter!, which showcases his remarkable ability to capture fleeting, everyday moments. In 1876, he was appointed commissioner of the World’s Fair in Philadelphia and was awarded the Legion of Honor upon his return to France.
Circa 1880
Paper: 18 1/4“ high by 14 1/2” wide (46.36 x 36.83 cm)
Framed: 30 3/8“ high by 25 7/8“ wide by 2" deep (77.15 x 65.72 x 5.08 cm)
Provenance:
Private Collection, Paris
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
| Maker: | Saintin, Jules-Emile |
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Drawings |
| Style: | Neoclassicism |
| Depth: | 2.0 in. (5.08 cm) |
| Width: | 25.88 in. (65.72 cm) |
| Height: | 30.38 in. (77.15 cm) |
| Canvas Width: | 14.500 in. (36.83 cm) |
| Canvas Height: | 18.250 in. (46.36 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
