This is a fine early 20th century oil painting depicting a young Belle Epoque beauty in the warm glow of a fireside making her finally preparations for an evening engagement by the famous French academic painter Delphin Enjolras (1857-1945). ‘Au Coin du Feu’ is signed by the artist, and hangs in a superb quality, new commissioned gold metal leaf frame.

As with all of the original antique oil paintings we sell it is offered in excellent condition, having just been professionally cleaned and re-varnished.

Delphin Enjolras studied under Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts, and began exhibiting at the Salon in Paris in 1890. He became famous for his portraits of elegant young socialites lit by the warm glow of a single light source, usually a bedside lamp or fireside. Like Alfred Stevens and Auguste Toulmouche before him, Enjolras was a master of boudoir scenes of young ladies but it was his use of gentle chiaroscuro that makes his intimate pictures unique.

Enjolras’ enduring popularity means that copies of his oil paintings – bearing spurious signatures – are not uncommon, and usually the work of Enjolras imitator Max Carlier 1872-1932. Genuine oil paintings and fine pastels by Delphin Enjolras display a vastly superior technique and use of colour.
In 1901, the artist was elected as a member of the Société des Artistes Français in 1901, and today works by Enjolras can be found in the Musée du Puy and Musée d’Avignon.

Dimensions: (framed) 57cm x 49cm (22½” x 19¼”)
Dimensions: (canvas only) 42cm x 34cm (16½” x 13¼”)
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Provenance: Private French collection.
Presentation: Fine neoclassical gilt metal leaf frame. All of the new frames we commission are especially made for us to order by one of the UK’s top period frame makers.
Condition: Very good. Newly professionally cleaned and re-varnished. Ready to hang.