Vintage French Oil Painting " Les glaneuses" by Max Savy (HiJ)

Titled "Les glaneuses" (The Gleaners), this evocative painting by French artist Max Savy captures a moment of agricultural labor in a serene, yet poignant composition. The artwork features a group of figures, deeply engrossed in the meticulous task of gleaning-collecting leftover grains after a harvest. Rendered in Savy's signature folk art style, the earthy palette of muted browns, soft grays, and subtle ochres, along with the gentle application of light, enhances the timeless and universal nature of their toil.

The figures are portrayed with rounded, humble forms that convey a sense of solidity and endurance, dressed in traditional attire that suggests a scene from mid-20th-century rural France. Each character is rendered with individual care, their postures and concentrated expressions emphasizing the communal effort in their daily work. The background is deliberately understated, focusing the viewer's attention on the human aspect of the scene.

Framed in a simple yet elegant wooden frame that complements the rustic theme, "Les glaneuses" not only showcases Max Savy's ability to capture the essence of French rural life but also serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting the enduring human spirit against the backdrop of everyday labor. This piece would make a thoughtful addition to any collection, particularly for those drawn to works that reflect historical and social realities through the lens of folk art.

Measurements:

Image Size: 7 3/8" x 19"

Frame Size: 13 7/8" x 25 5/8"

Artist Bio:

Max Savy, often referred to as the "painter of Corbières," was the son of a traveling salesman. He showed a remarkable aptitude for drawing from a young age but initially chose a career in teaching. In 1941, Savy took up a teaching position in Villepinte, Aude. A strong opponent of the Vichy regime's policies, he refused to enforce them within his school and subsequently joined the French Resistance, retreating to the maquis in 1943. Following the Liberation, he served as a drawing teacher at the Carcassonne Teacher Training College and also taught at Bastion College in Carcassonne. Despite his teaching commitments, Savy was deeply passionate about painting, leading him to contemplate dedicating himself fully to his art.

His first public exhibition was in 1945 at the Carcassonne Museum of Fine Arts. In the early 1960s, he renovated and moved into the old Lanet castle with his wife, Marie Rose, and their daughter. By 1961, Savy's paintings gained widespread recognition, adorning walls of prestigious galleries and becoming part of the French State's heritage collections, as well as decorating the reception rooms of the Tarn and Aude prefectures.

Tragically, Savy lost his sight in 2009, which brought his painting career to an end. He passed away on October 30, 2010, in Narbonne and was laid to rest in Lanet.

Condition: 

The item is in good original unrestored pre-owned condition. There is fine stable craquelure visible in the skirt of one farmworker, minor pigment loss in the upper righthand sky. The frame with abrasions in places the gilt finish is oxidized. The painting would overall benefit from a light conservation. Please see photos for details.