Lot 24
  • 24

Anne Estelle Rice

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Anne Estelle Rice
  • Brittany
  • bears the artist's studio stamp on the reverse
  • oil on board
  • 41 by 51cm., 16 by 20in.

Provenance

David J. R. Drey, the artist's son;
Private collection

Condition

The board appears to be sound and the work in good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be no signs of retouching. Held in a gilt composite 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. 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

Rice is regarded as the most prominent female Colourist. She was born in Philadelphia and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in her home city, but it was during her time in France in the early twentieth century that her distinctive style developed. She first visited France in 1906, travelling with the aim of making illustrations of fashionable society. A year later she met John Duncan Fergusson who was delighted by her beauty, intellect and talent. He encouraged her to paint and by 1911 she was a significant contributor to his journal Rhythm. Fergusson painted several striking portraits of Rice and for a time they were clearly extremely important to one another, both romantically and professionally. Although Rice and Fergusson's relationship did not last, the influence of Fergusson remained strong in her work and can be seen in the present picture. Rice painted the harbours and beaches of Brittany in the late 1920s and 1930s including Douarnenez, Concarneau and Tréboul, a small fishing village in the far west of Brittany frequented by many artists.