A remarkable exhibition at the Musée des Ursulines in Mâcon, running from June 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, showcases the extraordinary work of Gabriel Loppé (1825-1913), a pioneering artist who specialized in mountain painting during the 19th century. Contemporary with Eugène Boudin, Loppé was born approximately fifteen years before the major Impressionist painters, yet developed a distinctly different aesthetic approach that set him apart from his contemporaries.

Loppé's unique artistic vision emerged from his specialization in mountain landscapes, subjects that were relatively uncommon in 19th-century painting. This distinctive focus was closely tied to the historical development of Alpine tourism, which flourished only in the second half of the century. This period coincided with the emergence of beach vacations and sea bathing, recreational activities that also captured the attention of painters of the era.

Unlike the growing popularity of seaside resorts, mountaineering remained a niche activity accessible to only a select few, making it even more exclusive during Loppé's time. The artist distinguished himself as one of the rare painters who ventured directly onto mountain peaks and glaciers to paint what he observed firsthand. While many landscape artists of his era worked primarily in their studios, Loppé carried his painting equipment to remote locations, often working under challenging weather conditions to capture authentic mountain scenes.

Loppé's artistic practice expanded to include photography, a technique he discovered while climbing Mont Blanc with the Bisson brothers. This dual artistic pursuit required him to transport both painting and photographic equipment to high-altitude locations, demonstrating his dedication to documenting mountain landscapes through multiple mediums. The integration of photography into his practice reflected his innovative approach to capturing the mountain environment.

The current exhibition at the Musée des Ursulines features an impressive collection of high-quality paintings that demonstrate Loppé's mastery in representing mountain atmospheres and colors. His particular expertise shines in depicting weather conditions unique to mountain environments, including overcast skies, rainy weather, and dramatic storms. Among the notable works displayed is "Col della Loccie depuis le Weissthorn" from 1886, an oil on cardboard piece from the Collection Amis du Vieux Chamonix, and "Vers le Mont Blanc, arrivée aux Grands Mulets" from 1869, a 40 x 30 cm oil on cardboard from a private collection.

The artist's exceptional ability to capture snow-covered landscapes and the subtle variations in mountain light demonstrates his deep understanding of alpine environments. His firsthand experience in these challenging terrains allowed him to portray details and atmospheric effects that studio-bound artists could never achieve. This direct observation method resulted in paintings that possess an authenticity and immediacy that distinguished his work from conventional landscape painting of the period.

Loppé's contribution to 19th-century art represents a unique intersection between adventure, technology, and artistic expression. His willingness to venture into previously unexplored artistic territory, both literally and figuratively, positioned him as a pioneer in mountain landscape painting. The exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the work of an artist whose quest for modernity led him to capture some of the most challenging and spectacular landscapes of his time.