Hand-painted in France, this stunning toile peinte (literally “painted canvas”) is from the 1800’s. The canvas was recently found in a private residence, hung in a jardin d’hiver in Saumur, France.  Saumur is a commune in the heart of the Valley of the Kings, known for their fantastic wines and their Cavalry school (formed in the 1760s).

The canvas features vibrant green and blue hues, offset by muted tones of cream and brown. A bright blue sky is filled with white fluffy clouds above a cream-colored stone chateau with a gray slate roof. To the side of the house is a second structure with a spired roof and porte-cochère, painted in similar colors. Leading up to the houses is a looping dirt road that is lined by large trees, full of green and yellow foliage. Additional trees can be seen behind the two buildings. The interior of the circular driveway has plush grass dotted with flowers. In the middle of the clearing is a small tree surrounded by a ring of flowers. Surrounding the chateau landscape is a Trompe-l’œil gold border adorned with curled leaves at the corners. The edges of the canvas have been painted light blue and when combined with the gold border, frame the scene nicely.

At almost 10 feet tall, this 19th century toile peinte of a French chateau makes quite a statement. The serene illustration can be hung on a large wall or even inset into paneling, much like French boiserie rooms of the 18th and 19th centuries.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Professionally restored in past 5 years. Light creasing to the canvas and minor rubs and losses of paint. The canvas was placed on a wooden stretcher during the restoration.  D-rings on the back allow for easy hanging.