Lot 31
  • 31

François-Louis Schmied

Estimate
50,000 - 60,000 EUR
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Description

  • François-Louis Schmied
  • Chaouch endormi, 1937
  • détrempe sur panneau d'isorel
  • Signé en bas à droite, situé et daté F L Schmied Safi 1937
  • 92,5 x 69 cm (36 1/2 x 27 1/4 in.)
gouache sur papier
Signée en bas à droite, située Jafi et datée 1937, titrée au dos et numérotée 1

Provenance

Vente Maîtres Georges Pillias et Antoine Gluck, Paris, 30 avril 1975, lot 99
Acquis lors de cette vente

Exhibited

Boulogne-Billancourt, musée municipal (futur musée des années trente), Coloniales, 7 novembre 1989-31 janvier 1990

Literature

Félix Marcilhac, Connoisseur's Choice, The Staste, n. 1, septembre-octobre 1990, reproduit pp. 68 et 71  
Coloniales, catalogue de l'exposition, musée municipal (futur musée des années trente), Boulogne-Billancourt, 1990, reproduit p.12, n. 186

Condition

Very good condition. A few dirt traces in the upper part near the edge. One small stain in a drop shape in the lower center part near the edge. A very thin net of cracks especially in the white parts.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Ce magnifique portrait de jeune homme endormi fut peint par Schmied en 1937 lors d'un séjour à Safi, forteresse du sud marocain qu'il a également peinte à partir de 1934 (voir lot 301).
De la pose de ce personnage assoupi émane un grand naturel, témoin de l'affection de l'artiste pour les sujets pris sur le vif. Ce portrait dont on ne fait que deviner le visage garde son mystère. En revanche on reconnaît dans les lignes graphiques qui structurent et dynamisent la composition, le dessin sûr du graveur. La délicate subtilité des couleurs dont il sait si bien user dans ses oeuvres marocaines atteint ici son apogée : les dégradés de blanc contrastent admirablement avec la peau sombre du sujet et avec les motifs du tissus recouvrant le sofa sur lequel le personnage est endormi.

This outstanding portrait of a sleeping man was painted by Schmied in 1937 while on a trip to Safi, a fortress in southern Morocco which he also frequently painted from 1934 onward (see lot 301).
The sleeper’s languid pose adds a free-flowing dimension to the painting, confirming Schmied’s penchant for natural and spontaneous subject matters. This portrait is mysterious in a way that it only partially reveals the sitter’s traits; however the artist’s touch is easily identified through the linear and graphic treatment which structures and invigorates the composition. In the present work, Schmied’s skillful use of soft tones and intelligent coloring, characteristic of his Moroccan oeuvre, is at its pinnacle: the different shades of white are harmoniously contrasted with the sleeper’s dark skin as well as the vivid colorful stripes of the sofa.