Notre Dame, Paris by Pierre Gaston Rigaud

Pierre Gaston Rigaud
1874–1939 | French

Notre Dame, Paris

Oil on canvas
Signed "P. G. Rigaud" (lower right)

This extraordinary oil on canvas titled Notre Dame, Paris is a magnificent snapshot of the City of Lights by the celebrated French artist Pierre Gaston Rigaud. This work, which captures a stunning view of Notre Dame overlooking the Seine, is imbued with rich texture and subtle pops of color that exemplify Rigaud's artistic virtuosity.

In this composition, the viewer is positioned in the Seine, with a barge gracefully floating in the foreground while the magnificent Notre Dame stands against the distant sky. Rigaud skillfully captures intricate details of the famous cathedral, employing loose brushstrokes inspired by the Impressionist and Pointillist masters. Rigaud’s preference for painting en plein air is clear from the attention to detail in this scene. Soft purples and greens convey the serene light of a peaceful day, while the work is energized by highlights of yellow playing on the river, revealing Rigaud’s talent as a colorist.

Pierre Gaston Rigaud, born on April 4, 1874, in Bordeaux, dedicated his life to the pursuit of his unique artistic vision. Renowned primarily for his exquisite marine scenes, captivating landscapes and reverent churches, Rigaud's oeuvre embodies a profound connection to the natural world and spiritual essence. He studied with d'Albert Maignan and with Bonnat. Rigaud became a member of the Société des Artistes Français in 1906. Rigaud's talents garnered widespread recognition when he received an invitation to exhibit at the Salon d'Automne in 1920, where he was honored with a Silver Medal. Subsequently, in 1923, his exceptional contributions to the salon were celebrated with a Gold Medal.

Actively engaged in Parisian artistic circles, Rigaud generously shared his knowledge as a teacher, guiding young artists towards their professional aspirations. He also worked closely with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the two sharing a studio in Paris. Rigaud preferred to paint near his home in Corse, remaining steadfast in his commitment to portraying the truth of nature, style and subject matter.

Rigaud's illustrious career is commemorated in exhibitions spanning prestigious galleries such as Galerie Georges Petit in 1909 and Galerie Charpentier in 1925. His enduring legacy is enshrined in renowned institutions including the Musée Carnavalet, Le Luxembourg, Musée La Tour du Pin, Musée de Limoges, Musée de Bordeaux and Musée de Mulhouse, ensuring that future generations continue to marvel at the beauty and profound insight encapsulated within his remarkable body of work.

Early 20th century

Canvas: 25 3/4" high x 21 1/4" wide (65.41 x 53.98 cm)
Frame: 34 5/8" high x 29 7/8" wide x 3 3/4" deep (50.80 x 99.70 x 6.67 cm)

Provenance:
Private Collection
Sale, Sotheby's Colonnade, 25th May 1994
Private collection, London
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private collection, TX
M.S. Rau, New Orleans