(Paris 1806–1881)
Customs at the Simplon, signed, dated Giraud 1880,
oil on canvas, 140 x 197 cm, framed, (GG)

Provenance:
The artist’s studio, Hôtel Drouot, 9-13 February 1886;
Private Collection, France;
Sotheby’s, New York, 6 November 2014, lot 83.

Exhibited:
Paris, Salon 1882, no. 1189.

Catalogued in: Paul Eudel, L’Hôtel Drouot et la curiosité en 1885–1886, G. Charpentier et compagnie Ed., Paris 1887, pp. 110 - 113.

Giraud exhibited his large-scale works regularly from 1831 onwards in the Paris Salons, including the present lot. It was completed in 1880 and exhibited posthumously to great acclaim at the Salon the year after. The artist was known in Paris for his love of travel, and this animated picture is most probably a record of his passage in the Alps. It depicts the Italian border along Switzerland’s Simplon Pass. It was built in the early 19th century under Napoleon to facilitate military transport. The depiction of the bourgeoisie’s activities was very popular in the late 19th century.
A horse-drawn carriage with travellers has stopped for inspection. Three men are unloading the coffers, while the officials are checking the contents.
To the left, a group of women with local children offer some flowers, postcards and souvenirs, while on the other side, an artist with his canvases observes the inspection. The bustle of activity is recognizable by the viewer. In the centre, a man with a hat contests the inspection, while the group of women enjoy the sojourn.