Lot 129
  • 129

PIERRE DUBREUIL | 'Furioso'

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Pierre Dubreuil
  • 'Furioso'
  • 15 1/2  by 11 1/2  in. (39.4 by 29.2 cm.)
large-format, the photographer's monogram in ink on the image, signed 'P. Dubreuil, M. L. S. P.,' titled, numbered 'No. 4,' and annotated  '28 Rue Delocht, Bruxelles' in pencil, and with an 'Association Belge de Photographie et Cinématographie' label on the reverse, 1912, printed circa 1937

Exhibited

Antwerp, 11 International Kerstsalon, January 1938 Brussels, Association Belge de Photographie et Cinématographie, 1938

Condition

This impressive large-format print, on double-weight paper with a surface sheen, is in generally excellent condition. When examined closely in raking light, the following are visible: a 1/2-inch linear impression in the lower right quadrant; 2 small scuffs in the upper right quadrant; and faint silvering in the darkest areas at the periphery. The lower left and right corners are creased. There are some losses along the black lower edge which have been retouched. There is some very minor soiling on the reverse. The following are written in an unidentified hand on the reverse: 'D - 12 - 4' in blue crayon and 'PF 38703' in pencil. When examined under ultraviolet light, this photograph does not appear to fluoresce.
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

The large-format photograph offered here is a striking example of Dubreuil’s continuous innovation throughout his career.  Made in the mid-1930s, it is a thoroughly modern and imaginative new rendering of the negative for Au Luxembourg, Dubreuil’s celebrated image from 1912.  An exacting photographic technician, Dubreuil long favored contact printing his glass plate negatives.  The 1930s, however, was a period of intense creative output for Dubreuil and it was during this decade that he fully embraced the dramatic sense of scale only afforded by enlargements.  At the time of this writing, no other print of this image in this enlarged format has been located.