Adolphe Alexandre Lesrel

(1839 - 1929) Adolphe Alexandre Lesrel was born at Genet in France on 19th May, 1839. He studied painting and was greatly influenced by the famous French artist Meissonier who painted detailed military subjects. During the 19th century people developed a vivid fascination for the past. The was particularly true in France where memories of the recently deposed monarchy were still strong and the political situation was volatile. Paintings emphasized the human qualities of the subjects and in Lesrel's works he alludes to the paternal qualities of the monarchy by painting the King's men at ease in their domestic situations. Lesrel gives us an intimate and nostalgic glimpse of the past . His cavaliers are exquisitely painted with every attention paid to detail. His colours are rich and vibrant and his rendition of luxurious is outstanding. Lesrel's best work is characterised by superb attention to detail. He presents a romantic view in historical costume studies with an extraordinary virtuosity in his rendering of the textures of silver, glass, silk and satin. Everything is minutely observed and his sense of colour and composition is outstanding. Costumes, gowns, furniture objects d'art were all carefully researched to ensure the historical accuracy of his work. The artist was elected to the Society of French Artists in 1885 and he received an award from them in the Exposition Universalle in 1889. He became an Associate of the Salon de la Nationale Beaux Arts in 1890 and regularly exhibited his works there. Lesrel died in 1929.