We are pleased to present a spotlight on represented artist Jean Labourdette- with a mini-show of selected works we have acquired for this special online-only exhibit.

Montreal-based painter Jean Labourdette is somewhat obsessed with Victorian-looking characters sporting dandy facial hair, Russian icons, dead things of all sorts, carnival sideshows, and seedy, vermin-infested theatre stages. Technically, his paintings are reminiscent of the 15th-century Flemish Primitives, showing the beauty that beams out behind the traditionally “ugly” or unloved. He has forged a unique artistic vision and signature aesthetic over years of “compulsive creation”, constantly painting and acquiring eccentric and unusual vintage pieces that he incorporates into the works. Over the years, Jean evolved into a prolific and singular, sought-after multidisciplinary artist working as an illustrator, comic artist, filmmaker, and painter.

His most current work is lauded for his hyper-realistically rendered works of poetically odd characters, meticulously painted trompe l’oeil skulls and birds, and loving and sympathetic portraits of dogs, often ensconced in reliquary-inspired frames- adding a dimension of reverence and appreciation for things we often pass by in the mundane world. His newer works have expanded on a sense of holy reverence for life with a fantastically popular series of small songbirds perched within frames as well as his take on the iconic “eye” symbology depicting “God” (using portraits of the artist’s eye!).

We are excited to share this series with you. We will be working with Jean more this year, with works in March’s “Spectacle Du Petite” group show and a solo later in the year.

Please contact us if you are interested in a piece, or would like additional images or information!

Jean Labourdette Portal Acrylic trompe L’oeil on wood, vintage florentine hinged gilt wood triptych
painting 2”x3”/framed 6.25”x5.5”
$2,200

Jean Labourdette Quadruped Acrylic and oil on panel, within antique cast iron clock
painting 2”x2”/full piece 8”x5”x5.3”
$1,900

Jean Labourdette God Acrylic on panel with gilt wood frame
painting 1.5”x1.5”/framed 6”x6”
SOLD

Jean Labourdette Anima Acrylic on panel, housed in antique 18th century Belgian reliquary
full piece 20”x17”x5.5”
$6,500