A beautifully detailed genre painting of a group of gentlemen in 18th century costume by Benjamin Eugene Fichel. The men are depicted in a richly decorated interior of a stately home discussing the merits of a large painting hanging on a wall.

Benjamin Eugene Fichel was a genre painter who was born in Paris on 30 August, 1826 to Moldovan born Moïse Mayer Fichel and Abigail Sazias. Showing an early talent, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts at the age of just 15, eventually studying under Paul Delaroche and Martin Drolling. In 1849, he made his debut at the Paris Salon, becoming a regular and prolific exhibitor throughout his life. He initially exhibited portraits but later began to focus on historical and genre scenes which were to become his trademark.

As his career progressed, his works developed into more intimate genre scenes influenced by the Dutch painters and artists such as Ernest Meissonier. He married Marie Marguerite Lautenschlager on 21 February 1856 at Montmartre and the couple lived in Paris. He achieved considerable success during his lifetime winning 3rd class medals in 1857, 1861 and 1869 at the Salon and in 1870, was awarded the Legion of Honour.

After the death of his first wife, he married the artist Jeanne Samson on 9 October, 1877 and together the couple had two children. She had made her debut at the Paris Salon in 1869 as an artist in her own right and was originally one of his pupils. After their marriage, they often exhibited paintings together at the Salon. Fichel died at Paris on 1 February, 1895.

Fichel’s works are highly detailed and richly coloured with flawlessly executed figures. His keen observation and great attention to detail allowed him to produce works of outstanding quality and precision, often on a smaller scale. A number of his paintings can be found in many museums across Europe including the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon, Lille, Rennes, Bordeaux and Rouen as well as the Musée Magnin. His work is also represented in the Met Museum, New York.

© Benton Fine Art