Bernard Boutet de Monvel

Profiles, Bernard Boutet de Monvel, Knoedler Galleries, New York, 10 - 29 novembre 1947, titré Family Portrait ;
Peut-être, Cent portraits de femmes du XVe siècle à nos jours, Galerie Charpentier, Paris, 1950, n°8

Stéphane-Jacques Addade, Bernard Boutet de Monvel, Paris, 2016, reproduit p. 302

The painting sits on its original canvas, protected by glass. Under UV light, some squares of Sylvie's dress fluoresce, but it may be a pigment used by the artist and probably not a repaint. A minor spot on Sylvie's cheek fluoresces : again, probably a pigment. Three inversed knocks appear in the backgrounds. The painting is sold with a silver frame, probably the one designed by the artist. Sylvie's ear and lower cheek are less pink in reality : the carnations appear too red in the catalogue. Excellent condition.
"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."

Née à Paris le 28 juin 1922, la fille unique de Bernard et Delfina Boutet de Monvel, Sylvie, a servi de modèle à son père à de nombreuses reprises durant sa jeunesse (voir les lots 27, 28, 31, 126, 128 etc.). Peinte ici en 1936, l’adolescente âgée de quatorze ans, à la beauté déjà épanouie, est montrée coiffée d’une résille et vêtue d’une robe d’organdi dont la blancheur s’oppose au bleu éclatant du fauteuil. Un autre portrait de Sylvie assise dans le même fauteuil est présenté lot 35. Le fauteuil lui-même est inclus dans la vente, lot 65.

Toute la tendresse de l’artiste pour sa fille émane de ce délicat profil intimiste, véritable hommage rendu par un père attentionné et aimant à sa fille.

This portrait of Sylvie, daughter of Bernard Boutet de Monvel, is painted in 1936 in Paris. Aged fourteen, her beauty is immaculate. This particular portrait shows the artist's tenderness and affection for his only child. The painter executed several portraits of his daughter (see lots 27, 28, 31, 35, 126, 128, etc.). The armchair is included in the sale, lot 65.