Le Moulin a Vent sur le Canal a Rotterdam

Literature

Albert Lebourg was born on February 1, 1848, in Monfort-sur-Risle. He initially studied at Evreux Lycée and the art academy in Rouen. He later completed training at the École des Beaux Arts in Rouen and at an architecture studio. In 1872, Lebourg took an art teaching position at the École des Beaux Arts of Algeria and his post there lasted until 1876.

Lebourg first exhibited in 1878 with Monet, Sisley, Renoir, and Pissarro on Montmartre Boulevard. He was represented from 1890 to 1914 at the salon exhibitions of the Société National, of which he became a member beginning in 1893. In 1903, Lebourg was appointed as a “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur”. He stopped working in 1926, left Paris, and settled in Rouen. There are more than 2,000 known landscapes by Lebourg in the moderate Impressionist style. Most of these are panoramic and have the finest atmospheric effects. His repertoire consisted of motifs from the Ile-de-France, the Auvergne, and his Norman homeland, but also from Holland and Algeria. Lebourg died on January 6, 1928 in Rouen.

The dynamic colors of the sky and the canal are truly captivating and an excellent example of Lebourg’s work. The atmosphere is calm and at the same time, his bold brushstrokes add energy to the composition. The sky is painted in blue, orange, lavender colors and the colors are reflected on the water as well as the colors of the two sailboats, which are sailing on the canal. To the right of the canal, is a boardwalk with a pedestrian and buildings along side it with red roofs. Lebourg’s considerable skills are apparent with his use of light and contrast. Le Moulin a Vent sur le Canal a Rotterdam is a wonderful example of his work.