Béraud’s ‘L’Arc de Triomphe’

FRENCH PAINTER RENOWNED FOR PAINTINGS DEPICTING THE CITY OF LIGHTS

Jean Béraud’s art captured the vitality of Parisian life, with scenes of high society men and women, working-class people, bars, cafes, bistros and the city’s famous landmarks.

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The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 but not completed until the reign of King Louis-Philippe nearly 30 years later. “It was the perfect subject for an artist who detailed everyday Parisian life during the Belle Époque period,” says Meredith Meuwly, Heritage Auctions’ director of appraisal services.

Béraud’s oil on canvas L’Arc de Triomphe is being offered in Heritage’s European art auction scheduled for Dec. 8. It is expected to realize at least $200,000.

The painting shows sculptor Alexandre Falguière’s Le triomphe de la Révolution (“The Triumph of the Revolution”) atop the Arc de Triomphe. Depicting a chariot drawn by horses preparing to “crush anarchy and despotism,” the sculpture remained there between 1882 and 1886 before falling in ruins.

The oil on canvas is consigned by the Family Trust of New Orleans philanthropist, collector and amateur golf champion Merryl Israel Aron.