Émile Munier

Sale: Christie's, South Kensington, September 12, 2007, lot 69, illustrated

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This painting has been quite recently restored and should be hung as is. The canvas is not lined and is still stretched on its original stretcher. There are a few tiny retouches in the face on the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, and in the right arm. There is a thin horizontal line of retouches running across the chest of the girl and a couple of isolated cracks on the right side. Overall the condition is extremely good and the picture should be hung as is.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Emile Munier was born in Paris in 1840 where he spent most of his life.  He specialised in the portrayal of children, particularly in outdoor settings.  He also painted landscapes and was an accomplished portraitist.

Munier's father worked as an upholstery artist at the state controlled tapestry manufacturer in Paris, Manufacture Nationale des Gobelins.  He displayed an early gift for drawing and soon received instruction at the Gobelins studying with Abel Lucas.  In 1872 he entered the studio of William Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) and is known to have collaborated with Bouguereau and Adolphe Lucas.  He also worked with the eminent Art Nouveau glass maker Emile Gallé.

Munier exhibited regularly during his career at the Paris Salon between 1869 and 1895 where he was awarded an honourable mention in 1882.