Henri le Sidaner

Joseph Bernard Artigue (acquired directly from the artist before 1936)
Thence by descent to the present owner

The canvas is not lined. There is a line of intermittent retouching running vertically from the top edge to the bottom edge. There are also some scattered small retouchings towards the bottom edge and in the centre right of the composition. All retouching is visible under UV light. This work is in overall good 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."

Le Sidaner's ambition to find a place in the countryside away from Paris, where he could design his own garden was fulfilled in 1904 after years of searching. According to Rémy Le Sidaner, 'Towards the turn of the century, Henri Le Sidaner was seized with a burning ambition. He longed to plan a garden of his own, in which the landscape would be designed by him personally and in which he could achieve his favourite light effects. He mentioned this project to Auguste Rodin, who advised him the Beauvais area. A potter living in Beauvais, answering to the name of Delaherche, recommended the village of Gerberoy' (R. Le Sidaner, quoted in Yann Farinaux-Le Sidaner, Le Sidaner, L'œuvre peint et gravé, Milan, 1989, p. 14). By 1904, Le Sidaner bought a cottage in Gerberoy, which he first visited in 1901, and he immediately set out to enlarge both the cottage and the grounds, and designed all aspects of the improvement himself.