Oil on canvas, 1880, signed and inscribed "A Jacques Vincent / Berck" at lower right, the canvas with stencil for Hardy-Alan, presented in a later frame.

Stretcher size 27 x 42 in.; Frame dimensions 34 x 48 1/2 in.

Ludovic Lepic was a French etcher, painter and amateur archeologist. He was close friends with Edgar Degas, who persuaded Lepic to exhibit alongside the Impressionists in 1876. Lepic distanced himself from the group when they pressured him to not exhibit at the official Salon.

In 1877, Lepic began annual visits to the artistic haven of Berck, on the northern coast of France. Here he was influenced by Édouard Manet and Eugène Boudin, among others. He became well known for his marine views and was appointed an official marine painter by the state in 1883.

Lepic exhibited frequently throughout his lifetime. In addition to the first two Impressionist Exhibitions, he exhibited at the official Salon from 1863 until 1888.

The present painting is a slight anomaly for Lepic, as most of his marine views are devoid of figures. This painting however depicts a stylishly dressed young woman and young boy in a sailor suit out for a stroll along the shore. Centered in the composition is a dog at ease on the sand. Lepic was a known dog lover. He bred Belgian griffons and one of his pups was given by Edgar Degas to Mary Cassatt as a gift. A charming pastel portrait by Degas depicting Lepic holding one of his dogs is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Stable craquelure; surface grime.

$2,000 - 4,000