Alon Zakaim Fine Art

Adolphe Alexandre Lesrel was born on the 19th of May 1839 in Gents (Belgium). He studied painting in Paris, where he was greatly influenced by Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier (1815-1891), a historical and military scene painter. Like Meissonier, Lesrel derived his style from the study of seventeenth century Dutch painting and is characterised by his meticulous technique and attention to detail of dress, furnishings and accessories. He usually painted lavish interiors with figures of cavaliers, ladies or cardinals wearing exquisite costumes which were well researched to give his scenes a true historical authenticity. Brilliant colour, light and remarkable attention to detail earned him a place among prominent French genre painters.

Lesrel exhibited regularly at the Salon in Paris where he won an honourable mention in 1889. He was a member of the Société des Artistes Français from 1885 and he became an associate of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts from its foundation in 1890. He continued to exhibit regularly at the Salons of both societies once they had split in 1891. In England, he exhibited many works at the Arthur Tooth and Sons Gallery in London. He is last recorded sending works from his home in Gents to England in 1921.

Lesrel's historical scenes, an idealized and romantic interpretation, found a ready market in France, England and the United States. This popularity has remained unchecked, his subject matter and technical virtuosity of his brushwork ensures his continuing popularity.

The work of Lesrel is represented in several museums including the Museum of Art, Baltimore, the New York Public Library and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nantes, France.

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