French Winter Courtyard Scene, 1903 – Watercolour by Ernest Designolle

A beautiful early-20th-century French watercolour, delicately painted and inscribed by E. Designolle and dated 6 Janvier 1903. The scene shows a snow-covered courtyard with small birds in the foreground and soft architectural forms fading into the winter light. The muted palette and fine brushwork give the piece a distinctly Belle-Époque charm.

The artwork includes a handwritten dedication in French to “Yvonne,” typical of Desjardins’ personal presentation pieces.

Ernest Designolle (French, 1850 - 1941) pupil of Henri Harpignies (whose technique and rendering is very close), William Bouguereau (major representative of academic painting from the end of the 19th century) and Pierre Vignal (painting traveller). He exhibited at the Salon of French Artists in 1887 and became a member in 1906 

Professionally framed by Leverton Framers to a high conservation standard, using a soft green mount and bead-edged frame that complement the work beautifully. Fully ready to hang.

Details:
        •       Artist: E. Designolle
        •       Date: 1903
        •       Medium: Watercolour with ink inscription
        •       Framed size: 43 × 36 cm
        •       Frame: Professional conservation frame by Leverton Framers
        •       Condition: Excellent presentation; minor foxing consistent with age