'Breton Market' by Hélène Lafolye (circa 1930s)

'Breton Market', gouache and ink on art paper, by French artist, Hélène Lafolye (circa 1930s). There are so many picturesque villages in Brittany and most have weekly markets held in the central square. This artwork depicts a market at the turn of the 20th Century when villagers still wore traditional garb. Women wore long dresses with white aprons, lace collars and lace headdresses. The architecture is also very typical of a Breton village as is the prevalent cloud-ladened sky. Interestingly, the Bretons are a Celtic ethnic group native to Brittany. They trace much of their heritage to groups of Brittonic speakers who emigrated from southwestern Great Britain, particularly Cornwall and Devon, mostly during the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain. They migrated in waves from the 3rd to 9th century. This artwork is in good vintage condition and has been newly framed and glazed. It is signed by the artist in the lower left hand corner along with the text, 'Marché Breton'. Upon request a video may be provided.

About the Artist: Hélène Lafolye, (20th century) studied and lived in France and is known for her portraits of life in the far western reaches of France in the historically Celtic region called Brittany. The gallery found references to her participating in a 'Salon' (art show) in Paris in 1961. Regrettably no other information is available about the artist. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 35.5 cm / 14.0"

W 30.5 cm / 12.0"

Dimensions without frame:

H 22.5 cm / 8.9"

W 18.5 cm / 7.3"