Peaches and Grapes on a Stone Ledge

Alfred Édouard Tourillon was born on 9 September 1871 in Livry, Seine et Oise (now Livry-Gargan, Seine-Saint-Denis), Alfred Édouard Tourillon entered a world where art was undergoing profound transformations. The traditional doctrines of the Académie des Beaux-Arts were being challenged, and artists were exploring new approaches to light, colour, and subject matter. This revolutionary shift toward plein-air painting opened new vistas for interpreting the world, and young Tourillon was quick to immerse himself in this evolving landscape.

From an early age, Tourillon demonstrated a keen interest in painting. In Paris, he found himself surrounded by the artistic energy of the New Athens district, where he was welcomed into the studio of Denis-Pierre Bergeret. There, he became a dedicated pupil, honing his skills in observation and detail, especially in still lifes and landscapes.

By the mid-1890s, Tourillon had firmly established himself in the art scene, settling in Lagny. His participation in the ‘Salon des Artistes Français’ from 1896 to 1901 earned him recognition for his talent. While interacting with prominent neo-impressionists like Maximilien Luce and Camille Pissarro, as well as figures such as Henri Cortès and Cavallo-Peduzzi, Tourillon maintained his own artistic path, developing close friendships with Léo Gausson and André Cortès.

He actively contributed to the cultural life of Lagny, taking part in all exhibitions organized by the ‘Union Artistique et Littéraire du Canton de Lagny’ between 1899 and 1904. His involvement even extended to serving on the organizing committee, a testament to his commitment to the local art community.

After the dissolution of the Lagny group, Tourillon relocated to Gagny, where he shifted his focus toward animal subjects and rural scenes, particularly hunting paintings, which were highly popular at the time. However, his passion for landscapes and still lifes persisted, and he continued to excel in these genres throughout his career.

Alfred Édouard Tourillon passed away on 9 February 1942 at the age of 71 in his hometown of Livry-Gargan. He left behind a legacy of more than 250 recorded canvases, which continue to be discovered and appreciated worldwide.

Tourillon’s works were exhibited at notable venues, including the ‘Salon des Artistes Français’ in Paris, the ‘Salon des Beaux-Arts’ in Avignon, and the ‘Exposition des Beaux-Arts’ in Lagny-sur-Marne. He was honoured with several distinctions, including an ‘Honourable Mention’ at the ‘Salon des Artichauts’.

Though discreet in nature, Alfred Édouard Tourillon’s body of work reveals an artist deeply connected to his subjects, celebrated for his detailed observations of nature, animals, and everyday life. His contribution to the French art scene continues to be recognised through exhibitions and collections worldwide.