NARCISSE VIRGILE DIAZ DE LA PENA (FRENCH 1807-1876)

NARCISSE VIRGILE DIAZ DE LA PENA (FRENCH 1807-1876) Girl on a Swing, oil on panel 47.3 x 36 cm (18 5/8 x 14 1/8 in.) signed on an old label on verso We are grateful to Michael Klaa for confirming the authenticity of this work. This painting will be included in the Catalogue Raisonne prepared by him.Born to Spanish political refugees in Bordeaux, France, Narcisse Diaz de la Pena found himself orphaned and penniless at ten years old. While still a child, he lost his leg from a viper bite and he gained local recognition for both his wooden leg and his exceptional skill as a painter.In 1836, Diaz met Theodore Rousseau and the two became friends, neighbors, and fellow artists in the village of Barbizon. Rousseau had a strong influence on Diaz, even giving him lessons on how to paint trees. Diaz remained popular throughout his career, he had active followers and was creating works for private patrons. He reached the height of his fame in 1855 and was regarded as a master landscapist who fully understood and used the lure of the forest of Fontainebleau. In 1863, Diaz met Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley and Frederic Bazille, who admired his brilliant colors; his late landscapes very likely influenced the impressionists.