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The Artwork
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Title: The Washerwomen by the River
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Artist: Jules-René Hervé (1887–1981)
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Medium / support: Oil on canvas
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Dimensions: 22 × 27 cm (French format 3F)
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Signature: Signed lower left “Jules R. Hervé”, countersigned on the reverse, with handwritten note “Les laveuses”
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Date: Undated
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Subject: Rural scene with several women washing clothes at the riverbank, surrounded by trees under a soft, diffuse light
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Condition: Good condition, sound canvas and original stretcher
Critical analysis
This painting immerses the viewer in the intimate rhythm of rural life, rendered with the sensitivity characteristic of Jules-René Hervé. By the quiet riverbank, washerwomen gather in daily labor, their gestures captured with swift, colorful strokes. The composition, dominated by lush greenery and the mirrored depth of the water, conveys freshness and serenity. Hervé’s brushwork brings life to the shimmering reflections, while the bright accents of the figures animate the tranquil landscape. More than a depiction of work, this canvas transforms a humble moment into a lyrical homage to tradition, community, and the timeless harmony between humanity and nature.
Biography of the artist
Jules-René Hervé was born in Langres in 1887. From an early age, he displayed a strong inclination for drawing and painting, which led him to Paris in 1908 to pursue formal studies at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and later at the École des Beaux-Arts. He debuted at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1910, where he quickly gained recognition. His career was interrupted by World War I, yet he returned to painting and won the Silver Medal in 1914, followed by the Gold Medal in 1925.
From 1911 to 1943, Hervé taught drawing and painting in Paris schools, sharing his passion with younger generations. In 1924, a travel grant enabled him to discover Europe and enrich his artistic vocabulary. In 1937, he was awarded the Gold Medal at the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques in Paris, and later served as vice-president of the Salon des Artistes Français.
Hervé’s work is defined by two major themes: urban life, with its Parisian boulevards, theatres, skating rinks, and gardens, and rural life, inspired by his native Haute-Marne. His fresh harmonies, luminous highlights, and brisk brushwork place him within the late Impressionist tradition, while his poetic sensibility gives his art a distinctive voice. He often favored small canvases, such as 22 × 27 cm, which allowed him to capture immediacy and atmosphere with remarkable vitality. Throughout his long career, he exhibited regularly and remained popular with collectors. He died in Langres in 1981, leaving behind a prolific body of work that continues to resonate for its humanity, light, and lyrical simplicity.
