3385 - Ribaupierre François de

Ribaupierre François de 1886 Clarens – 1981 La Tour-de-Peilz Leaving Mass in Valais, in Winter Watercolor and tempera on stiff paper Monogrammed lower left: F. de R Framed 56.5 × 117 cm (inside dimensions) François de Ribaupierre’s artistic oeuvre lies at the intersection of Symbolism, Realism, and decorative stylization. Influenced by Ferdinand Hodler and, in particular, Ernest Biéler—with whom he maintained a close artistic collaboration—he developed a distinctive visual language characterized by careful observation of nature, precise drawing, and a keen sensitivity to ornamental structures. The landscapes and people of Valais, particularly those of the Val d’Hérens, formed a central focus of his work. In front of the church entrance, the villagers gather in their festive Sunday best, while some set off through snow several meters deep. Deeply snow-covered, the landscape lies beneath a clear winter sky against a majestic mountain range bathed in sunlight. The contrast between the wintry chill of the village and the radiant splendor of the mountains lends the scene a special luminosity. The figures bring the wintry scene to life without disrupting its quiet, solemn atmosphere. The result is a striking image of a village community rooted in tradition, where religious customs, rural life, and the Alpine landscape blend into a harmonious whole. Auction Date: November 28, 2026 Approximate Auction Time: 5:19 p.m. CET