Louis-Hilaire CARRAND (1821 - 1899) - Landscape with trees

Louis Carrand studied for two years with the landscaper Nicolas Fonville, then worked independently from nature. In 1847, he went to Florence before returning to Lyon and settling there. In 1864 or 1865 he found himself penniless following his father's bankruptcy, and from that time until his death in 1899 he was forced to earn his living by occasional work as a clerk. Carrand had exhibited for the first time at the Lyon Salon of 1846-1847, with a View of Burgundy; thereafter, he exhibited almost every year at the Salon de Lyon.

Carrand's considerable production is the result of painting work carried out every Sunday, mainly on the quays and squares of his native city, Lyon, or, when he can spare a few days, in the countryside of Bresse and of Isère. Often, for reasons of economy, he paints on both sides of a canvas or on pieces of wood or cardboard. His career ran parallel to that of the Impressionists. Like other fringe painters of the 19th century, Carrand boldly anticipated many artistic developments seen at the end of the century. Ravier, Carnaud, Bouche and Carrand, all from Lyon, had an affinity for thick paint and bold, sumptuous brushstrokes, as did Monticelli in Marseille.