Le Franc, Paris - Easel- Portable artist's case - Foldable painter's easel in solid wood - folding easel

Folding painter's easel “Le Franc, Paris”, France, late 19th century

Refined folding painter's easel in solid wood, designed as a true portable artist's case. Crafted with solid artisanal skill and adorned with the original brass plaque engraved “Le Franc, Paris – Unis France,” it testifies to the historic quality of one of the most renowned French manufacturers of art materials, active since the 17th century.
The item stands out for its ingenious box-like structure, which neatly encloses the entire easel system. Inside, a retractable, compartmentalized drawer provides space for paints, brushes, and accessories, turning the case into a complete and self-contained workspace. The front panels and internal mechanisms house the folded easel, protecting it during transport and, once opened, revealing a remarkable degree of technical sophistication.
An adjustable canvas holder enables adaptation to different sizes, while the telescopic frame allows dual use: on a table, for precision work and small formats, or extended to standing height to support larger canvases. The brass screws and fittings, together with the sturdy handle and metal closures, confirm the object’s itinerant purpose, designed for the plein air artist.
A rare and fascinating object, this easel preserves a strong evocative value: a perfect synthesis between functionality and the poetry of the studio. A traveling companion of the Romantic artist, it carries with it the charm of landscapes painted from life and of silent hours of work outdoors, embodying a tool as practical as it is charged with historical memory and aesthetic suggestion.
Closed dimensions: 53 x 43 x 16 cm