Adolphe Alexandre Lesrel (French, 1839-1929), The Game of Chess

Oil on canvas (lined), 1880, signed and dated at lower right, presented in a period giltwood frame.

Stretcher size 19 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.; Framed dimensions 28 1/2 x 30 1/2 in.

Private Collection from an Equestrian Farm, Moore County, North Carolina

Christie's, London, 19th Century European Art, November 21, 2002, Lot 67

Adolphe Alexandre Lesrel was a French academic painter celebrated for his detailed historical genre scenes. Born in Genêts, Normandy, he moved to Paris to study under the influential master Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts.

Lesrel specialized in romantic depictions of 17th- and 18th-century life, frequently portraying cavaliers, musketeers, cardinals, scholars, and aristocrats engaged in leisurely pursuits such as music-making, letter writing, or quiet contemplation. His paintings are distinguished by their meticulous rendering of luxurious fabrics, armor, Oriental carpets, tapestries, and period furnishings.

He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, earning medals and critical recognition, and became associated with a group of academic painters, including Georges Croegaert and Jean-Georges Vibert, who shared an interest in historical costume scenes and refined interior settings. During the late 19th century his works were especially popular with British and American collectors, contributing to his international reputation.

The canvas has been lined, with light craquelure, and a small abrasion to the center, light retouching visible under UV light.