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In this swiftly-painted oil sketch, Henri le Sidaner captures the dappled light reflecting off the gabled windows and door of a house front, which is covered in clambering vines. Colour has been applied in dabs of paint that seem to dance rhythmically across the canvas. The underlying pencil sketch is clearly visible, giving us a glimpse in to the artist’s working process.

Henri le Sidaner is known for his paintings of quiet domestic interiors, secluded street corners, and dimly-lit gardens, often devoid of human presence. The subdued, violet-greys of his palette and the quiet tonality of his work creates an atmosphere of serene melancholy. Although his work shows the influence of Post-Impressionism, he did not associate himself with any particular movement, saying instead ‘if you absolutely insist on categorizing me, I am an Intimist’ – a movement commonly associated with Welsh-born artist Gwen John.