Signed by the artist in the lower left corner (“Lecler”), this oil on canvas painting is entitled In the Sheepfold. A typical day in the life of a farmer dressed in blue with a gold hat, the agriculteur can be seen tending to a hay feeder. Behind the man is a flock of 15 sheep, mostly depicted with tan wool and white faces and ears, with the exception of a small all-white lamb. Some of the livestock is grazing from the feeders, while four of them (including the lamb) are gathered near a large water trough. A pair of chickens can be spotted amongst the herd, including a brown rooster with red comb standing on the ground that is covered with golden straw that have been displaced from the feeders.

Interestingly, Lecler used a brush stroke technique known as impasto on the straw lining the ground and to a lesser extent, some of the sheep wool. Impasto is a painting technique where the paint is applied thicker than usual, making the paint appear as if it is coming out of the canvas. The rest of the painting has lighter brush strokes, which provides a nice juxtaposition from the areas textured by the impasto.

CONDITION: Strong antique condition with a small repair to the canvas and some old restoration to the giltwood frame. Minor age separations, losses, and craquelure to the frame as well. The frame is rigged for hanging. Signed in the lower left “Lecler”.