Lot 390: Pierre Etienne Remillieux , Vienna, Isere 1811 - 1856 Lyon Blue tit on a branch of plum tree in bloom; Great tit on a branch of cherry tree a pair, the first, oil on board; the second, oil on panel

both monogrammed lower right PE.R a pair, the first, oil on board; the second, oil on panel

measurements note each: 8 3/8 by 10 5/8 in.; 21.3 by 26.8 cm.

Pierre Etienne Remillieux studied art in the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Lyon from 1828. He was a pupil of Claude Bonnefond and Augustin Thierrat, and specialized in the painting of flowers. He first exhibited his paintings in the Salon in Lyon, then in Paris from 1841 to 1855. Only thirty works from the artist are known today. He demonstrated great precision and delicacy in his compositions, worthy of Pierre Joseph Redouté.

This little pair of birds consitutes a rare example in the work of Remillieux as he mostly executed still lifes and bouquets of flowers. Using a subtle range of colours, he gives the birds great presence.