- 181
Louis Valtat
Description
- Louis Valtat
- La femme au collier
- Singed L. Valtat (lower right)
- Oil on canvas
- 32 1/8 by 25 3/4 in.
- 81.6 by 65.4 cm
Provenance
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Catalogue Note
For the strong mood evoked by the present work, Valtat relies both on his sitter’s elaborate and lushly draped costume to arrest the viewers’ gaze and upon her expression of expectation, which serves to elevate the narrative tension of the scene. Valtat does not seem as concerned with a detailed rendering of the dress, or with a definite setting, as with the creation of an overall impression of his sitter’s allure and soignée elegance. In a series of loosely applied brushstrokes, the white tones of the blouse are laid over the strong black under dress and swirling red robe, alluringly disheveled around her long arms. The dangling necklace of the work’s title adds a sensual allure to her outfit. The overall effect reminds the viewer of the portraits of Matisse, a contemporary of Valtat’s, whose works influenced him deeply, and whose Odalisques often appear in similarly dramatic clothing.