Pardon in Brittany

Gaston La Touche

Created:
Movement:
1896
Post-Impressionism
key Notes:
Vibrant Procession, Breton Tradition
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Dimensions:
100.5 × 110.5 cm (39 9/16 × 43 1/2 in.); Framed: 123.2 × 129.5 × 12.7 cm (48 1/2 × 51 × 5 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Pardon in Brittany" is a notable work by French painter Gaston La Touche, who was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The painting depicts a traditional Breton pardon, a religious festival characterized by processions and communal gatherings. La Touche's work is recognized for its vibrant color palette and impressionistic style, which captures the lively atmosphere of the event. The artist often focused on themes of rural life and regional customs, reflecting his interest in the cultural identity of Brittany. The painting exemplifies La Touche's ability to blend realism with a sense of movement and light, characteristic of the Impressionist movement. The exact date of creation remains unspecified, but it aligns with La Touche's active period, during which he produced numerous works inspired by Breton culture. The painting is significant in the context of French art as it highlights the regional diversity within the broader Impressionist movement.

Description of the work:

"Pardon in Brittany" by Gaston La Touche is an oil on canvas painting that captures a vibrant scene of a traditional Breton festival. The composition is characterized by a dynamic arrangement of figures, predominantly dressed in regional costumes, which are rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The color palette is rich and varied, featuring deep blues, bright whites, and warm earth tones that evoke the festive atmosphere of the event. The background is populated with lush greenery and architectural elements that suggest a rural setting, enhancing the cultural context of the scene. Light plays a significant role in the painting, with highlights and shadows creating depth and dimension among the figures. The brushwork is fluid and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of movement and celebration inherent in the depicted gathering. The work exemplifies La Touche's ability to blend realism with an impressionistic approach, resulting in a lively portrayal of Breton heritage.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Pardon in Brittany