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France, second half of the 18th century
Attributed to Thomas Compigné
Pewter, gold and silver leaf
Gouache, colored varnishes
Comparable works:
-Attributed to Thomas Compigné, View of the Ypres canal in Furnes, second half of the 18th century, Galerie Léage collection.
-Attributed to Thomas Compigné, Pair of paintings in Compigné, View of the surroundings of Utrecht and View of the Ypres canal in Furnes, second half of the 18th century, Galerie Léage collection.
This pair of Compigné paintings represents two riverside landscapes, animated by characters navigating on the water. Rectangular in shape, each is made on stamped tin foil. The latter is enhanced with silver, gold leaf and gouache. This clever mix of materials produces an effect of perfect union between painting and engraving. In the first painting, the scene represents, in the foreground, the winding bank of a river. A first character, standing and seen from behind, contemplates the watercourse which stretches into the background. The silver-tinted horizontal lines used to represent the river evoke flat, peaceful water. Two men are busy docking their boat. On the opposite bank, on the left, a hamlet stands out, while two sailboats appear in the distance. A second hamlet, similar to the first, emerges through sparse vegetation. The second painting offers a similar scene. Three calm and peaceful stretches of water, interspersed with winding banks, structure the space. In one of them, a rider crosses the scene on horseback. On another, a figure from behind walks along the bank. In the background, a hamlet rises in the heart of lush vegetation. A sailboat and a boat, docked along the banks, complete the scene. Gold highlights, in varied tones, highlight certain details and create effects of contrast and shadow, giving a delicate relief and a subtle shimmer to the whole. The skies, treated with gouache in shades of bluish pink, convey the soft colors of the end of the day. This chromatic range passes harmoniously from pink to the deep gray of the clouds and birds flying over the scene. Each painting is housed in a frame decorated with gold edging, a frieze of pearls and water leaves.
The Creation Process of Compigné Pieces
The paintings known as "Compigné" pieces are made from a bronze-engraved matrix, allowing for the stamping of designs onto tortoiseshell or pewter. After printing, the artist applies polychromy with gouache and sometimes highlights in gilding. This process combines technical precision with artistic variations, particularly in the colors and added figures.
Variations and Interpretations of Engraved Models
Compigné draws upon existing engravings, which he adapts by simplifying or modifying certain elements. His subjects are varied, ranging from landscapes to contemporary events, and his works evolve from small cabinet pieces to more ambitious compositions. This diversity testifies to a flexible and inventive production.
Thomas Compigné
A Parisian cabinetmaker active in the 18th century, Thomas Compigné is renowned for his luxury objects and technical innovations. Close to the court, he developed a refined style and signed his works, which contributed to his renown. Despite his success, some aspects of his life and work remain poorly understood.
Bibliography:
-« Les Compignés et leurs créateurs, ces délicats chefs-d’œuvre de la tabletterie au XVIIIe siècle », Plaisir de France, n° 427, march 1975.
-Compigné, peintre et tabletier du Roy, catalogue d’exposition, Grasse, Villa-Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard, june-july 1991.
