The Storm (after Pierre-Auguste Cot)
Oil painting on canvas • After Pierre-Auguste Cot (French, 1837–1883); unknown copyist or studio hand
Style & Movement
Academic Art / Neoclassicism / Romanticism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, executed with smooth blending, glazing, and soft chiaroscuro typical of academic 19th-century salon painting.
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (likely a quality academic copy or reproduction of the 1880 original)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated approximately 30 x 24 inches (vertical portrait format)
Subject Description
A young couple fleeing a sudden tempest, closely modeled after Pierre-Auguste Cot's famous 1880 masterpiece 'The Storm' (La Tempête) housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The male figure, wearing animal skins, embraces the clinging female figure draped in a translucent, wind-blown white garment while both hold a large golden-yellow fabric aloft to shield themselves from the elements.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paint layer appears stable with vibrant colors, though minor surface dust and standard craquelure associated with age may be present upon close physical inspection.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,200
Provenance History
Acquired through private channels, likely originating from a 20th-century decorative art collection or estate featuring traditional European salon painting reproductions.
Art Historical Significance
While a secondary-market copy rather than an original masterwork, this piece reflects the enduring popularity of Pierre-Auguste Cot's iconic neoclassical-romantic imagery, which was widely reproduced for 19th and early 20th-century collectors desiring academic salon aesthetics.
Notable Features
Housed in an ornate, heavily carved giltwood or painted wooden frame featuring classical decorative molding, enhancing its traditional academic presentation.
Condition Issues
No major structural damage is immediately visible from the photograph. Potential minor surface grime and standard oxidation of the varnish layer typical of older oil paintings.
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning by a professional conservator if required; maintain stable relative humidity (40-50%) and standard museum-grade lighting away from direct sunlight.