An oil on canvas painting by French artist, Adolphe Alexandre Lesrel (1839-1929) entitled “Le départ des Hirondelles” or “The Departure of the Swallows” signed and dated 1881. The painting depicts two elegantly dressed ladies in 17th Century style, holding instruments and peering over a balcony with Gothic architecture to a harbor with ships watching the departure of the swallows. An elegantly dressed man holding a stringed instrument stands on the other side of the balcony, watching the ladies. The painting is in extremely fine detail and is a tour de force for the artist. Swallows are considered a sign of romance. This painting was exhibited in The Paris Salon of 1881 as No. 1433.

The painting is in excellent condition. The gilt frame appears to have had some damage with repairs but appears fine and ready to hang. The site area of the painting measures approximately 23 1/2” x 32” and overall with the gilt frame measures 35” x 43 1/4”.

From the archives of AskArt: 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 Jean-Louis Meissonier (1815-1891), who painted detailed military subjects.

During the 19th century people developed a vivid fascination for the past.  This 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.

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.

The artist’s high auction price $248,000 in 2000 at Christie’s New York.

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