Ricardo Corchon y Diaque (Spanish, 1855-1925), "Saint Cloud, Paris," oil on panel painting depicting two fashionably dressed women standing before the Grande Cascade Fountain at the Palace de Saint-Cloud, overlooking Paris, while three other women stand in the distance. The painting is signed faintly, "R. Corchon" in the lower left corner, titled "St. Cloud," and dated 1869, significant because the palace itself (one of Napoleon's homes) was destroyed the following year after the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war (1870-1871). The fountain survived, and the gardens later became a public park. However, it is likely Diaque painted the scene well after 1870, as he did not begin art school until 1870. Housed in an elaborate giltwood frame with molded acanthus and foliate scroll motifs. Panel - 10 1/2"H x 13 3/4"W. Frame - 20"H x 23 1/2"W.

Biography: Ricardo Diaque studied at San Fernando Fine Arts School in Madrid in 1870 and enjoyed success in his home country, but intrigued by French high society, he moved to Paris in 1876. He specialized in genre scenes depicting the upper class, and was known for his skill in portraying the clothing of his subjects. He showed work at the Universal Exposition of 1878 and exhibited regularly at the Salon of French Artists (until 1900). Sources: Benezit, 1976; Cien anos de pintura, volume VI, 1991; Schurr and Cabanne, Les Petits Maîtres de la peinture, 1820-1920, Editions de l'Amateur, 1996.

Overall very good condition with some small areas of craquelure. Tiny hole lower left corner. Small area of touchup visible under blacklight upper left corner and 1/8" spot center, sky area. Frame has losses up to 1 1/2" to moldings, most notably at top corners/edges and upper right sight edge.