Le dispensaire, l’école des filles et le square de la Mairie (1916)

This evocative watercolor painting by Félix Brard, dated October 31, 1916, beautifully captures a serene yet lively scene set outside the town hall square, bordered by a girls' school and a dispensary—integral parts of community life during this period. Titled "Le dispensaire, l’école des filles et le square de la Mairie," the painting portrays a crisp autumn day, woven with delicate hues of orange and brown as leaves carpet the pathway and the mellow light softens the outlines of gathered figures.In the foreground, the focus is on children and adults dressed in the characteristic fashion of the early 20th century, their blue-grey clothes suggesting a uniform, possibly tying them to the nearby school. Their movement breathes life into the serene setting, as groups of girls stroll and socialize under the bare, outstretched branches of the square’s trees.Behind the mesh of leisurely social interactions and autumnal beauty, the architecture and urban design anchor the composition. The buildings, depicted with soft color washes and subtle detailing, frame the square and hint at the daily continuity of town life amidst the natural cycle of seasons.Félix Brard’s work not only encapsulates a moment in time but also communicates the rhythm of community life, juxtaposing the enduring quietude of the surroundings with the transient, dynamic presence of its people. It invites viewers to reflect on the interconnected roles of educational and health institutions in everyday life, emphasizing their place as both physical and cultural landmarks within the community.