Gallery Edition – Costumes civils; moyens de transport by Auguste Racinet – 44×49 Interior Architectural Study

Curatorial Narrative In “Costumes civils; moyens de transport”, Auguste Racinet’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to documenting the nuances of everyday life in late 19th-century France are on full display. Created between 1876 and 1888, this work represents a pivotal moment in the artist’s oeuvre, as he began to transition from traditional historical painting to a more modern, observational style. The linear brushwork and minimalist composition imbue the scene with a sense of quietude, inviting the viewer to linger on the intricate details of the costumes and modes of transportation. Racinet’s chromatic structure, characterized by a predominance of beige, brown, blue, green, and red hues, creates an atmosphere of subtle elegance, evoking the restrained opulence of the Belle poque era.When enlarged to 44×49 inches, “Costumes civils; moyens de transport” assumes a monumental quality, its spatial depth and compositional