Alexandre Rapin (1839–1889) - L’Averse - Paysage fluvial (Vendu sans prix de réserve)

We present to you this impressive ink drawing on paper depicting a river landscape in the rain by Alexandre Rapin (1839–1889).

This scene shows a body of water bordered by vegetation, beneath a sky crossed by long lines suggesting rain. Titled “L’Averse” and accompanied by a handwritten note. Signed a second time on the composition.

The work is presented without a frame.

Title: The Rain: River Landscape

Technique: Ink on paper

Artist: Alexandre Rapin (1839–1889)

Overall size: 31 × 50 cm

Condition: Good condition, with some marks and visible traces on the paper

Alexandre Rapin, born June 21, 1839 in Noroy-le-Bourg and died November 21, 1889 in Paris, is a major French landscape painter of the Jura school. From a family of Haute-Saône, he settled in Paris to train with illustrious masters such as Jean-Léon Gérôme, Charles Gleyre and Joseph-Ferdinand Lancrenon. His true artistic trajectory developed under the deep stylistic influence of his friend Louis Français and Gustave Courbet, with whom he collaborated in the late 1860s. Specializing in representations of nature, he excels at capturing the light of the Franche-Comté landscapes, notably the banks of the Doubs and the Brême. He officially began exhibiting at the Salon in 1867 and showed there regularly, becoming a respected figure in Parisian artistic circles. His talent was rewarded with a bronze medal in 1875, followed by a silver medal in 1877 that classed him permanently as “hors-concours.” Rapin also participated in the prestigious Paris Universal Expositions of 1878 and 1889, consolidating his national reputation. In recognition of his artistic contribution, he was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor in July 1884. Married and father of five, he passed his artistic spirit to his descendants, notably his sons Henri and Jacques Rapin, who would become brilliant creators. Today, his naturalist paintings, such as The Morning by the Doubs kept at the Musée d’Orsay, bear witness to his mastery of plein air painting in the 19th century.