Artwork
L'église de confort en jour de Toussaint
L'église de confort en jour de Toussaint is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Marcel Laurent. It dates from 1931 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.
About this work
Overview
Marcel Laurent’s 1931 oil painting, titled L’église de confort en jour de Toussaint, portrays a churchyard in the Breton village of Confort‑Meilars on All Saints’ Day. The work is part of the collection of the National Library of Wales.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas captures a bustling scene of villagers in dark coats moving through a cloudy courtyard, some gathering around a modest fire. The central church tower, with its pointed roof, dominates the left side, emphasizing the ritual significance of the day.
Technique & Style
Laurent applies paint in thick, unblended strokes, creating a textured surface that accentuates the contrast between the warm glow of the fire and the cool, muted sky. The impasto treatment gives the composition a sketch‑like vigor while preserving the richness of the oil medium.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1931, the painting entered the holdings of the National Library of Wales, where it remains accessible for study and exhibition. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in documenting regional French landscapes of the early twentieth century.
Artist & collection
