Hugo D'Alesi (Romania/France, 1849-1906) oil on canvas landscape painting depicting a road winding through a grove of trees, under a partly cloudy sky. Signed "F. Hugo d'Alesi" lower right. Maison Cornier stamp, en verso of canvas. Housed in a period, possibly original giltwood frame with acorns and berries in relief, with original label for P. Hombert Fils, Paris, en verso. Sight: 17" H x 10" W. Framed: 22 3/4" H x 15 1/4" W. Note: this painting descended to the current consignor from Vicki Meche, granddaughter of the writer and mysticist J. Camille Chaigneau. The painting is accompanied by a circa 1880 carte-de-visite photograph of the painter, Hugo D'Alesi, who was a personal friend of J. Camille Chaigneau. An album containing another image of D'Alesi, along with one of his wife, is also included in this auction. Artist biography: "The painter and graphic artist known as Hugo d'Alesi was born Frederic Alexianu in Romania, but took French citizenship and worked mainly in Paris. He produced many tourism posters, for railways and travel companies, around the turn of the century." (Source: the Delaware Art Museum).

PROVENANCE: The collection of Dr. Andrew Wilkerson, by descent from the estate of Vernon and Vicki Meche, Iron City, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Both painting and frame in overall very good condition. 3/4" area of buckling to canvas in upper left corner and a few scattered spots of light grime. 1/2" area of loss to lowermost sight edge of frame; a few scattered tiny losses to frame's outer edges.