François-André Vincent

Estimate

10,000 - 15,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

François-André Vincent
A Sculptor in his Studio (possibly André Segla)
Pen and black ink and brown wash within double brown ink framing lines;
signed and dated in pen and black ink, lower right: Vincent f. R. 1774
9 3/16 x 7 inches

Provenance

Paul Wallraf (1897/98-1981), London;
with Wildenstein, New York;
Private Collection, since 1965

Exhibited

Paris, L'Œil Galerie d'Art, Dessins Français du XVIIIe siècle, 1969, no. 64

Literature

J-P. Cuzin, 'Les Caricatures de Vincent' (unpublished mémoire de maîtrise, Université de Paris-Sorbonne), 1970, no. 51;
J-P. Cuzin, François-André Vincent, 1746-1816: Entre Fragonard et David, Paris 2013, p. 400, no. 250D, reproduced p. 401

Condition

Laid down. Overall in very good condition.. Pen and ink and wash extremely fresh and strong. Some brown staining in the upper right corner. Sold in carved and gilded frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Vincent was awarded the prix de Rome in 1768 and travelled south in 1771, remaining in Rome for four years. During his time there he drew many caricatures of his fellow artists, friends and acquaintances. The majority of these studies are now in the Musée Atger in Montpellier.

Jean-Pierre Cuzin has suggested that the sitter in this caricature may be the sculptor, André Segla (1748-1783). Ségla, who studied at the Académie de France in Rome from 1774-1778, was from Marseille and trained under Joseph Benoît Suvée. His likeness is recorded in a red chalk counterproof in the Musée Atger, which is inscribed Segla sculpteur. Pensionnaire / a Rome 1775.¹

Vincent has here depicted the sculptor next to one of his creations; he often represented his fellow artists at work or accompanied by the tools of their trade. The image deftly unites the artist with his work, as Vincent gives his sitter the same melancholy expression as the sculpted head beside him, which is based on the antique sculpture, the wounded Niobid.

1. J-P. Cuzin, op. cit., 2013, p. 396, no. 228D