Jules Breton Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Jules Breton Art Value Price Guide

Jun. 17, 2026
JULES BRETON (1827-1906)
Est: €300 - €400
Description EN Untitled. 1875. Pencil. Signed and dated in pencil. Unreadable titled. Frame. Description FR Sans titre. 1875. Crayon. Signature et date au crayon. Titre illisible. Cadre. Beschrijving NL Zonder titel. 1875. Potlood. Gesigneerd en gedateerd in potlood. Onleesbaar getiteld. Kader.
Bernaerts Auctioneers
Mar. 26, 2026
Jules BRETON
Est: €8,000 - €12,000
Jules BRETON (Courrières, 1827 - Paris, 1906) "Petite Bretonne" Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine) Signée 'Jules Breton' en bas à gauche Titrée sur le châssis au verso 'Petite Bretonne', oil on canvas, signed, by J. Breton 10.82 x 13.97 in. 27.5 x 35.5 cm Provenance : Collection particulière, Normandie Les coutumes et les activités quotidiennes que Jules Breton a observées pendant son séjour en Bretagne ont inspiré certains de ses thèmes les plus complexes comme Le Grand Pardon breton (La Havane). Notre Petite Bretonne s’insère dans le groupe de petites études libres de jeunes Bretonnes assises en bord de mer que le peintre réalise sur place entre les années 1865 et 1870 telle Bretonne assise sous les pins ; baie de Douarnenez (Lille, Palais des beaux-arts). Nous remercions Mesdames Annette Bourrut Lacouture, Agnès Penot et Marie-Isabelle Pinet de nous avoir aimablement confirmé par un examen de visu de l'œuvre elle-même [en date du 16 décembre 2025] l'inclusion de ce tableau au catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre du peintre prochainement en ligne sous réserve d'un examen complémentaire notamment après restauration de l'œuvre, quelques doutes subsistant en raison de son état général actuel. Jules BRETON (Courrières, 1827 - Paris, 1906) 27.5 x 35.5 cm
Artcurial
Feb. 06, 2026
Study for Les Lavandieres Bretons
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Jules Breton French 1827 - 1906 Study for Les Lavandieres Bretons inscribed lower left: Madame Louise Bauhet/hommage affection d'une/vieille amitié/ J. Breton; inscribed indistinctly and signed lower right: J. Breton pencil on paper sheet: 18 by 12 in.; 45.7 by 30.5 cm framed: 22 by 29 in.; 73.7 by 55.9 cm
Sotheby's
Feb. 06, 2026
Jeune fille en blanc portant un lys (Young Girl in White Carrying a Lily)
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Jules Breton French 1827 - 1906 Jeune fille en blanc portant un lys (Young Girl in White Carrying a Lily) signed and dated lower right: Jules Breton / 87 oil on board board: 13 ⅞ by 10 ¼ in.; 35.9 by 26 cm framed: 22 ½ by 19 in.; 57.2 by 48.3 cm Executed in 1887.
Sotheby's
Dec. 13, 2025
Jules BRETON (1827-1906)
Est: €1,500 - €2,500
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) scène de moines implorants monogrammée JB et daté 1848. Rentoilé. Haut. : 46.5 cm Long. : 35.6 cm
ARTESIA - Maison de Ventes aux Enchères
Nov. 02, 2025
Jules Breton Etching "Calling in the Gleaners"
Est: -
In good condition with wear commensurate with age. Frame measures approximately 26W x 17H Jules Breton Etching “Calling in theGleaners.” Etching based on the 1859 painting “Le Rappel des glaneuses” by French artist Jules Breton. Signed in the lower left corner. Depicts women and children returning from gleaning wheat fields near Courrières,France. A beautifully executed etching that reflects Breton’s poetic and dignified portrayal of rural life in 19th-century France.RH50332
Monarch Auction and Estate Services
Oct. 25, 2025
Jules Breton, French (1827-1906), Amour, 1902, oil on panel
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
Jules Breton French, (1827-1906) Amour, 1902 oil on panel signed and dated lower left, framed. This work is a study for Breton's last painting, titled Amour, which was presented at the Salon of 1905. The model for the female character was Adelaide Ledet, who lived in Wissant. This painting will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist's work. Label verso: Leighton Fine Art
Link Auction Galleries
Oct. 15, 2025
The Gleaner
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Jules Breton French 1827 - 1906 The Gleaner signed lower left: Jules Breton pencil on paper sheet: 13 ¼ by 7 ⅞ in.; 33.7 by 20 cm framed: 19 ¼ by 14 ¼ in.; 49 by 36.5 cm
Sotheby's
Oct. 15, 2025
Afternoon Nap
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Property from an Important Midwest Collection Jules Breton French 1827–1906 Afternoon Nap signed and dated lower right: Jules Breton/1877 oil on canvas canvas: 28 ⅜ by 24 ⅜ in.; 73 by 62.5 cm framed: 24 ½ by 20 ⅛ in.; 62.3 by 51.5 cm
Sotheby's
Oct. 12, 2025
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) scène de moines implorants
Est: €1,500 - €2,500
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) scène de moines implorants monogrammée JB et daté 1848. Rentoilé. Haut. : 46.5 cm Long. : 35.6 cm
ARTESIA - Maison de Ventes aux Enchères
Jun. 15, 2025
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) Le jeune paysan, 1898
Est: €500 - €600
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) Le jeune paysan, 1898 Mine de plomb Signé et daté en bas à droite 12 x 10 cm ; avec cadre 27 x 22 cm
Osenat
Jun. 13, 2025
Portrait of Elodie Breton, niece of the artist, at the age of 20
Est: €2,000 - €4,000
Jules Breton Courrières 1827 - 1906 Paris Portrait of Elodie Breton, niece of the artist, at the age of 20 Charcoal on paper, oval Signed towards center left jules breton / 89( ?) Image size: 605 x 510 mm
Sotheby's
Jun. 13, 2025
Portrait of Elodie Breton, niece of the artist, at the age of 20
Est: €26,000 - €35,000
Jules Breton Courrières 1827 - 1906 Paris Portrait of Elodie Breton, niece of the artist, at the age of 20 Oil on canvas Signed and dated upper left Jules Breton / 1877 64,5 x 49,5 cm ; 25⅜ by 19½ in.
Sotheby's
Jun. 08, 2025
Jules Breton, Young Woman Reading, Watercolor
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Jules Breton, young woman reading, watercolor, signed L/L, 16" x 11", in French frame 25" x 20". PLEASE NOTE: On KaminskiLIVE, lots valued at over $3,000 are designated as Premier Lots in the auction descriptions. Bidding on these lots requires pre-approval. Existing customers with a history of completed payments will be automatically pre-approved. New customers must either call Kaminski Auctions at 978-927-2223 Ext 507 with a credit card to obtain pre-approval or have a credit card on file with our auction house.
Kaminski Auctions
May. 20, 2025
BRETON JULES ADOLPHE AIMÉ LOUIS (1827 - 1906)
Est: €2,000 - €3,000
Bretonne with Pigeon
Campo & Campo
May. 17, 2025
Jules Adolphe Breton, Young Woman Sitting in a Landscape
Est: €2,000 - €2,500
Signed lower left: Jules Breton Framed under glass Dedication of the artist to Madame Alice ... at lower left
Lempertz
Apr. 29, 2025
Jules Breton (French, 1827-1906) Village en Artois, 1898
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Jules Breton (French, 1827-1906) Village en Artois, 1898 oil on panel signed Jules Breton (lower center) 10 1/4 x 13 3/4 in. (26 x 34.9cm)
Freeman’s | Hindman
Feb. 05, 2025
Study for The Last Ray (Étude pour le Dernier Rayon)
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
Property of a Private Collection Jules Breton French 1827 - 1906 Study for The Last Ray (Étude pour Le Dernier Rayon) signed lower left: Jules Breton oil on canvas canvas: 14 ½ by 10 ½ in.; 36.8 by 26.7 cm framed: 19 by 15 in.; 48.3 by 38.1 cm
Sotheby's
Nov. 23, 2024
Jules Breton, Junge Frau mit Krug
Est: -
Jules Breton, Junge Frau mit Krug sitzende jüngere Frau, mit leerem Krug auf ihren Knien und in die Ferne gerichtetem Blick, Federzeichnung in Braun auf Pergamentpapier, links unten signiert "Jules Breton" und datiert "1881", minimal wellig, unter Passepartout und hinter Glas gerahmt, Passepartoutausschnitt ca. 22 x 17 cm. Künstlerinfo: Jules Adolphe Aimé Louis Breton, frz. Maler und Zeichner (1827 Courrières bis 1906 Paris), Schüler von Felix de Vigne und Michel-Martin Drolling, bereits hier fand er sein bevorzugtes Sujet, das Leben der Bauern in seiner Heimat, 1867 Teilnahme an der Weltausstellung, ab 1886 Mitglied der Académie des beaux-arts in Paris, ab 1886 Ehrenmitglied der Royal Academy of Arts in London, schon zu Lebzeiten in zahlreichen bedeutenden Ausstellungen vertreten, Quelle: Thieme-Becker und Wikipedia. Jules Breton, Junge Frau mit Krug sitting younger woman, with an empty jug on her knees and gazing into the distance, pen and ink drawing in brown on parchment paper, signed "Jules Breton" and dated "1881" lower left, minimally wavy, matted and framed behind glass, mat opening approx. 22 x 17 cm. Artist information: Jules Adolphe Aimé Louis Breton, French painter and draughtsman (1827 Courrières - 1906 Paris), pupil of Felix de Vigne and Michel-Martin Drolling, already here he found his favourite subject, the life of the peasants in his homeland, 1867 participation in the world exhibition, from 1886 member of the Académie des beaux-arts in Paris, from 1886 honorary member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, already represented in numerous important exhibitions during his lifetime, source: Thieme-Becker and Wikipedia.
Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Oct. 15, 2024
Jules Breton - The Weeders - 1990 Offset Lithograph 21.5" x 31"
Est: $125 - $175
"The Weeders" by Jules Breton, 1990 Unsigned Offset Lithograph. Paper size is 21.5 x 31 inches, with an image size of 20 x 29.5 inches. The Offset Lithograph is from an unknown edition size. and is not framed. The condition was rated A-: Near Mint, very light signs of handling. Additional details: Printed for Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha. Published by Haddad's Fine Arts Inc.
DUMBO Auctions
May. 28, 2024
BRETON JULES ADOLPHE AIMÉ LOUIS
Est: €5,000 - €7,000
Breton with pigeon
Campo & Campo
May. 22, 2024
Le Matin
Est: $350,000 - $550,000
Property from a Private Collection Jules Breton French 1827 - 1906 Le Matin signed and dated lower right: Jules Breton 1883 oil on canvas canvas: 35 ⅝ by 60 ¾ in.; 82.9 by 154.3 cm framed: 43 by 70 ½ in.; 109 by 179 cm
Sotheby's
May. 22, 2024
Asleep in the Woods
Est: $60,000 - $80,000
Jules Breton French 1827 – 1906 Asleep in the Woods signed and dated lower right: Jules Breton/1877 oil on canvas canvas: 28 ⅜ by 24 ⅜ in.; 73 by 62.5 cm framed: 24 ½ by 20 ⅛ in.; 62.3 by 51.5 cm
Sotheby's
May. 08, 2024
Jules Breton, Study
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
(French, 1827-1906) Fillette, Study for La Plantation du Calvaire, signed lower right "J. Breton", oil on canvas, 12-5/8 x 8-5/8 in. (30.48 x 20.32 cm.); gilt wood and composition frame, 18-7/8 x 14-3/4 x 2-1/2 in. Provenance: Collection of the artist; His Studio sale, Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, 2-3 June 1911, lot 51; Acquired by M. Dru, (620 Francs); Estate of L. Raymond Billet, Chicago, Illinois; by descent in family Note: "Looking closely at the overall study of Salon La Plantation d'un calvaire, the silhouette of a young girl appears behind the young woman who is holding the hand of a little girl. She is in white, holding a piece of blue fabric on her bent arm. The attitude of the face in profile, raised towards the sky as well as the long hair decorated either with a net or with small discreet flowers, seems to be linked to that of the painting of this little girl. Curiously, this white silhouette of a young girl disappears in the final painting of the Salon La Plantation d'un calvaire, which could suggest that either she is shown with a different headdress and clothes or Jules Breton chose to make an independent painting, hence this study of the little girl." -Annette Bourrut Lacouture Brunk Auctions would like Mrs. Annette Bourrut Lacouture, Marie-Isabelle Pinet, and Agnes Penot for kindly confirming the authenticity of this painting from a photograph. It will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonne of the painter's work. Literature: Catalogue des tableaux, pastels et dessins par Jules Breton composant son atelier, Paris, Galerie Georges Petit, 2-3 June 1911, p.31
Brunk Auctions
Apr. 18, 2024
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) La glaneuse
Est: €1,000 - €1,200
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) La glaneuse Crayon sur papier Signé en bas à droite 17,5 x 11cm à la vue (Rousseurs, collé sur carton). Nous remercions Mesdames Annette Bourrut Lacouture, Marie-Isabelle Pinet et Agnès Penot, de nous avoir aimablement confirmé l'authenticité de ce dessin d'après photo. Il sera inclus dans le catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre du peintre actuellement en préparation. Présenté dans un encadrement comprenant deux autres dessins d'artistes différents; l'un au crayon figurant un romain à la lyre, l'autre à l'encre représentant un personnage en costume ornant une lettre. Avec deux autres dessins de signatures et d'artistes différents.
Millon Riviera
Mar. 26, 2024
Jules Breton - The Weeders - 1990 Offset Lithograph 21.5" x 31"
Est: $50 - $100
"The Weeders" by Jules Breton, 1990 Unsigned Offset Lithograph. Paper size is 21.5 x 31 inches, with an image size of 20 x 29.5 inches. The Offset Lithograph is from an unknown edition size. and is not framed. The condition was rated A-: Near Mint, very light signs of handling. Additional details: Printed for Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha. Published by Haddad's Fine Arts Inc.
DUMBO Auctions
Feb. 18, 2024
Jules Breton (French, 1827-1906) Oil on Canvas
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Jules Breton (French, 1827-1906) Oil on Canvas 1886, signed lower right, depicting a group of women at a water well, in a gold painted wood frame, framer label verso Provenance: Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Baumgartens, Naperville, Illinois, gifted by Mariam Andreaz, May 1969 Property from: an Estate, Naperville, Illinois Category: Fine Art > Paintings Estimated Sale Time: 10:28 am CST Shipping Status: Due to size, weight, value or shipping complexity, this item must be shipped via a 3rd Party and the shipping cost may be high. We recommend contacting multiple shipping vendors for an estimate as the cost may vary greatly. Last modified: February 14, 2024, 10:21 am
Leonard Auction
Feb. 15, 2024
Jules BRETON (1827-1906)
Est: €1,500 - €2,000
Jules BRETON (1827-1906) La glaneuse Crayon sur papier Signé en bas à droite 17,5 x 11cm à la vue (Rousseurs, collé sur carton) Nous remercions Mesdames Annette Bourrut Lacouture, Marie-Isabelle Pinet et Agnès Penot, de nous avoir aimablement confirmé l'authenticité de ce dessin d'après photo. Il sera inclus dans le catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre du peintre actuellement en préparation. Présenté dans un encadrement comprenant deux autres dessins d'artistes différents; l'un au crayon figurant un romain à la lyre, l'autre à l'encre représentant un personnage en costume ornant une lettre. Avec deux autres dessins de signatures et d'artistes différents.
Millon Riviera
Feb. 02, 2024
A Sketch for Le Pardon de Kergoat
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
Jules Breton French 1827-1906 A Sketch for Le Pardon de Kergoat signed and dated lower left: Jules Breton / 6 oct. 1890. oil on board board: 10 ½ by 13 ¾ in.; 26.5 by 35 cm framed: 17 ½ by 20 ¼ in.; 43.5 by 51.5 cm
Sotheby's
Feb. 02, 2024
Bad News
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
Jules Breton French 1827–1906 Bad News signed and dated lower left: Jules Breton/ 1862 oil on canvas canvas: 17 ½ by 14 in.; 44.5 by 35.5 cm framed: 28 by 24 ½ in.; 71.2 by 62.3 cm
Sotheby's
Feb. 02, 2024
The Gleaner
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
Jules Breton French 1827-1906 The Gleaner signed lower left: Jules Breton pencil on paper sheet: 13 ¼ by 7 ⅞ in.; 33.7 by 20 cm framed: 19 ¼ by 14 ¼ in.; 49 by 36.5 cm
Sotheby's
Feb. 02, 2024
Pensive Thoughts
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Jules Breton French 1827-1906 Pensive Thoughts signed and indistinctly dated lower left: Jules Breton. 68 oil on canvas canvas: 15 ¾ by 12 ½ in.; 40 by 32 cm framed: 21 ¾ by 18 ¼ in.; 55 by 46.6 cm
Sotheby's
Feb. 02, 2024
A Peasant Girl Knitting
Est: $750,000 - $950,000
Jules Breton French 1827-1906 Young Peasant Girl Knitting signed and dated lower right: Jules Breton 1870 oil on canvas canvas: 63 by 50 in.; 160 by 127 cm framed: 65 by 52 ½ in.; 165 by 133.5 cm
Sotheby's
Oct. 26, 2023
Jules BRETON (1827-1906)
Est: €1,500 - €2,000
La glaneuse Crayon sur papier Signé en bas à droite 17,5 x 11cm à la vue (Rousseurs, collé sur carton) Présenté dans un encadrement comprenant deux autres dessins d'artistes différents; l'un au crayon figurant un romain à la lyre, l'autre à l'encre représentant un personnage en costume ornant une lettre. Avec deux autres dessins de signatures et d'artistes différents. Nous remercions Mesdames Annette Bourrut Lacouture, Marie-Isabelle Pinet et Agnès Penot, de nous avoir aimablement confirmé l'authenticité de ce dessin d'après photo. Il sera inclus dans le catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre du peintre actuellement en préparation.
Millon Riviera
Oct. 24, 2023
Jules Breton - The Weeders (Large) - 1990 Offset Lithograph 21.5" x 34.25"
Est: $50 - $75
"The Weeders (Large)" by Jules Breton, 1990 Unsigned Offset Lithograph. Paper size is 21.5 x 34.25 inches, with an image size of 16 x 29.25 inches. The Offset Lithograph is from an unknown edition size. and is not framed. The condition was rated A-: Near Mint, very light signs of handling. Additional details: Poster for the Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha. Published by Haddad's Fine Arts, Inc.
DUMBO Auctions
Jun. 03, 2023
Attrib. to Jules BRETON: Farm Scene - Oil Painting
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Attributed to Jules Breton (French, 1827-1906) oil on canvas painting of a French farm scene with women picking wheat. Study for "The Recall of the Gleaness, Artois" on label on back. [Art: 35" H x 69" W; Frame: 37" H x 71" W]. One restoration lower middle left.
Roland Auctions NY
May. 25, 2023
Le Matin
Est: $700,000 - $900,000
Property from a Private Collection Jules Breton French 1827-1906 Le Matin signed and dated lower right: Jules Breton 1883 oil on canvas canvas: 35 ⅝ by 60 ¾ in.; 82.9 by 154.3 cm framed: 43 by 70 ½ in.; 109 by 179 cm We are grateful to Annette Bourrut Lacouture and Marie-Isabelle Pinet-Netter for confirming the authenticity of this lot and assisting with its cataloguing.
Sotheby's
Apr. 20, 2023
Jules Adolphe Aime Louis Breton (1827-1906, in the manner of): Farmer with cow at the edge of the road, oil on canvas
Est: €250 - €500
Work.: 59,1 x 37 cm Frame: 75 x 55,5 cm
Coronari Auctions
Mar. 22, 2023
Jules BRETON Courrières, 1827 - Paris, 1906 Jeune Bretonne assise en bord de mer Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine)
Est: €4,000 - €6,000
Jules BRETON Courrières, 1827 - Paris, 1906 Jeune Bretonne assise en bord de mer Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine) Signée 'J. Breton' en bas à droite (Toile non montée sur châssis, petits trous aux angles) Sans cadre Young Breton seated on the seashore, oil on canvas, signed, by J. Breton h: 21 w: 15,50 cm Commentaire : Très attaché au monde rural, Jules Breton découvre avec bonheur la Bretagne en 1865, région qui devient une grande source d'inspiration pour son art. Il y multiplie les séjours par la suite. Notre petit tableau constitue une esquisse pour l'œuvre actuellement conservée au musée de Grenoble (inv. MG 799, fig. 1). Nous remercions Mesdames Annette Bourrut-Lacouture et Marie-Isabelle Pinet de nous avoir aimablement confirmé l'authenticité de ce tableau par un examen de visu. Il sera inclus dans le catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre du peintre actuellement en préparation. Estimation 4 000 - 6 000 €
Artcurial
Feb. 01, 2023
JULES BRETON (French, 1827-1906) Enfant de chœur oil on canvas 14 1/8 x 10
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
JULES BRETON (French, 1827-1906) Enfant de chœur oil on canvas 14 1/8 x 10 3/4 in. (35.9 x 27.3 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 05, 2022
JULES BRETON THE MILK GIRL ENGRAVING
Est: $50 - $75
20 1/4" by 25 3/4" framed.
Davis Brothers Auction
Jun. 15, 2022
Study for Le Dernier Rayon | Etude pour Le Dernier Rayon
Est: - €10,000
Jules Breton Courrières 1827 - 1906 Paris Study for Le Dernier Rayon Signed lower left J. Breton. Oil on canvas 39,3 x 28 cm ; 15½ by 11 in. ____________________________________________ Jules Breton Courrières 1827 - 1906 Paris Etude pour Le Dernier Rayon Signé en bas à gauche J. Breton. Huile sur toile 39,3 x 28 cm ; 15½ by 11 in. Bid on Sotheby's
Sotheby's
Jun. 15, 2022
A young girl by the fireplace | Jeune fille auprès de l'âtre
Est: - €15,000
Jules Breton Courrières 1827 - 1906 Paris A young girl by the fireplace Signed and dated lower right Jules Breton 1860 Oil on canvas 56 x 46,5 cm ; 22 by 18¼ in. ____________________________________________ Jules Breton Courrières 1827 - 1906 Paris Jeune fille auprès de l'âtre Signé et daté en bas à droite Jules Breton 1860 Huile sur toile 56 x 46,5 cm ; 22 by 18¼ in. Bid on Sotheby's
Sotheby's
Jun. 03, 2022
Jules Adolphe Aimé Louis Breton (French, 1827-1906) Jeune pêcheuse bretonne, Dou
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Jules Adolphe Aimé Louis Breton (French, 1827-1906) Jeune pêcheuse bretonne, Douarnenez, 1878 Oil on canvas laid on board 22-1/8 x 14-1/2 inches (56.2 x 36.8 cm) Signed and dated lower right: Jules Breton 1878 PROVENANCE: Henry Reinhardt, New York, by descent, 1918; Paul Watkins, Winona, Minnesota, acquired from the above; Christie's, New York, October 27, 2004, lot 130; Christopher-Clark Fine Art, San Francisco, California; Private collection, Las Vegas, Nevada, acquired from the above. Upon the occasion of the painting's sale in 2004, Christie's noted that "this work has been authenticated by Annette Bourrut-Lacouture and will be included in her forthcoming catalogue raisonné, Jules Breton, Painter of Peasant Life." During the late nineteenth century, an era marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization, Jules Breton's bucolic subjects were widely admired for their portrayal of rural life in France. The artist's rustic pastoral scenes depicted a simpler time, offered a reassuring sense of tradition and continuity, and championed the poor and laboring peasant class, for whom the artist had a deep affinity and admiration. Breton's first official artistic recognition came in 1855 for The Gleaners (National Gallery of Ireland), followed soon afterwards with a silver medal at the 1857 Salon for The Blessing of the Wheat in Artois (Musée des Beaux Arts, Arras), which was purchased by the French State. Throughout the ensuing decades, Breton's success continued unabated with awards, critical accolades, and enthusiastic patronage both in Europe and abroad. The artist's works were particularly sought-after in America following the Civil War, leading Breton to quickly become the most popular French artist across the Atlantic. In 1877, Samuel G. W. Benjamin wrote that "popular and artistic opinion is more united in favor of the merits of Jules Breton than upon any other living painter" ( Contemporary Art in Europe, New York, 1877, p. 92). For Breton and his contemporaries, the agricultural region of Brittany provided the ideal backdrop for scenes of peasant life, as it does in the present work. The province became a popular destination for artists and tourists alike, when the first railway line from Paris was completed in the 1860s, because the traditional way of life there remained relatively unchanged and thus exceedingly picturesque. Age-old methods of farming and fishing were still in use, and Breton peasants, particularly the women, continued to dress in their distinctive traditional attire with bonnets, aprons, and wooden shoes. Douarnenez, a commune in western Brittany, was the location of a centuries-old fishing port, which provided the artist's inspiration for the present work. Painted in 1878 at the height of the artist's career, Jeune pêcheuse bretonne, Douarnenez depicts a young fisherwoman at end of her work day seated upon the rocky shore. Captured in a moment of reverie, the girl rests her chin on the end of her fishing pole, the fading warm late afternoon sun illuminating one side of her face. Since she is backlit by a sky nearing dusk, which glows near the horizon, the young Breton fisher girl is presented in near-silhouette, a very difficult visual effect to paint. By this period Breton's technique was marked by looser brushstrokes and more casual poses of his sitters, qualities that may have derived from the influence of the Impressionists, whose contemporaneous artistic innovations favored freedom of execution over a more static academic approach. A superb draughtsman and colorist, Breton utilized subtle gesture and muted color to create a tranquil mood in this poetic composition. As is the case with most of his peasant scenes, Breton does not dwell on the hardship of girl's labor in this work, opting instead to evoke a more poetic im
Heritage Auctions
May. 27, 2022
AFTER JULES BRETON (FRENCH, 1827-1908)
Est: $100 - $250
AFTER JULES BRETON (FRENCH, 1827-1908) The Song of the Lark Oil on canvas, no discernible signature. Well-balanced rendition of the original, depicting a young woman with sickle in a pasture scene at dusk. Decorative gilt frame. Sight: 29.75" height, 24.75" width; frame: 42.5" height, 37.5" width
Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
Apr. 12, 2022
JULES BRETON (French, 1827-1906) Enfant de chœur oil on canvas 14 1/8 x 10
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
JULES BRETON (French, 1827-1906) Enfant de chœur oil on canvas 14 1/8 x 10 3/4 in. (35.9 x 27.3 cm.)
Christie's
Mar. 30, 2022
Jules Adolphe Breton (French, 1827-1906) Le Lendemain de la Saint Sébastien
Est: £25,000 - £35,000
Jules Adolphe Breton (French, 1827-1906) Le Lendemain de la Saint Sébastien signed and dated 'Jules Breton 1855' (lower left) oil on canvas 74.5 x 106.5cm (29 1/4 x 42in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Mar. 30, 2022
Jules Adolphe Breton (French, 1827-1906) Jeune Paysanne jouant avec des Hannetons
Est: £40,000 - £60,000
Jules Adolphe Breton (French, 1827-1906) Jeune Paysanne jouant avec des Hannetons signed and dated 'Jules Breton 1857' (lower right) oil on canvas 56 x 46.5cm (22 x 18 1/4in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams