Louis ANQUETIN (Etrepagny 1861 - Paris 1932) Lot n° 7

The Gallic chariot Oil on canvas, lined 97,5 x 130 cm Signed and dated lower left L. Anquetin 85 (Accidents) This painting by Louis Anquetin shows once again the influence of the Master on the pupil and the common practice of studying the works of other artists to arrive at one's own interpretation of the subject. Fernand Cormon was the first to be inspired by prehistoric themes in painting, which would become one of his specialties. Louis Anquetin, a young student in the studio, took over the mythical painting of his master, Cain, and with his characteristic ardor transformed it into a work close to impressionism with a great freedom of touch. But it was not until Anquetin met Monet in 1885 that he broke away from Cormon's austere style and integrated light into his work. During this period, the artists of the Cormon studio, whose core group consisted of Louis Anquetin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Albert Grenier, were in contact with the booming Parisian art scene. In a letter to his mother, Toulouse-Lautrec describes the atmosphere in this community of artists as follows: "Long live the Revolution! Long live Manet! A wind of impressionism is blowing through the studio. I am radiant because I have been alone for a long time in the face of Cormon's wrath. I spend my day in the academic teaching and in the evening at Pezon's to look at the fauvists". Inevitably the artists will tend towards more modern subjects and a freer technique.