'Landscape with Church in Touraine, France' by Lilian Whitteker (1968)

'Landscape with Church in Touraine', oil on paper, by Lilian Whitteker (1968). The Loire Valley of France comprises about 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi). It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards, and artichoke and asparagus fields which line the banks of the river. Touraine is a region within the Loire and Tours, where the artist lived, is the historical capital of the Touraine region. While there are dozens and dozens of churches and cathedrals in the area, Whitteker seems to have chosen to depict this rural chapel situated in the rustic countryside, serenely surrounded by trees and greenery. There is a naive charm to the artwork, a distinctive feature of the artist's style. Our gallery has sold just under ten paintings by the artist to clients all over the world, in recognition of this charming style and the tranquility which her paintings impart. The artwork is in good overall condition and has been beautifully framed and glazed with museum quality, anti-reflective glass. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing.

About the Artist: Lilian E. Whitteker (1881-1979) began her art career in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. She was a member of the Cincinnati Women's Art Club and spent most of her time painting landscapes, still-lifes, and flowers. She moved to France in the mid-1920's where she remained the rest of her life. In 1970, due to her ill health and inability to afford the upkeep of a large property, Whitteker moved to another castle - the Château de la Bourdaisiere, built in the 1500s in the Loire Valley (at that time the château was a retirement home). Here she died in 1979. A street in Tours, France, "Allee Lilian Whitteker", was named after her. 

Dimensions with Frame:

H 62 cm / 24.4"

W 78.5 cm / 30.9"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 42 cm / 16.5"

W 58 cm / 22.8"