18th

century

Oil on canvas

French

La plaine Saint Denis

Michel, Georges (1763-1843)

This picture is typical of the artist’s open and spacious landscapes in which he specialised, especially in the later part of his career. The relatively low horizon line is reminiscent of the work of Richard Parkes Bonington (1802-1828) whose work Michel would have known from 1826 onwards. The site depicted has long been covered by industrial and residential development. However, on the extreme left the twin west towers of the venerable Royal Abbey of Saint Denis are visible. This too was to be altered in the later nineteenth century, losing one of its towers.

Schorr Collection, UK / © The Schorr Collection / Bridgeman Images

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