Lot 98
  • 98

Henri Rousseau 1875-1933

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description

  • Henri Rousseau
  • Entrée au Village
  • signed and dated Henri Rousseau / 21 lower left

  • oil on canvas
  • 98.5 by 147.3cm., 38¾ by 58in.

Condition

The canvas has been strip-lined along the extreme edges. There are areas of retouching to the white wall in the background around the two central riders, some of which could certainly be reduced as it appears to be excessive. There is a vertical line of retouching next to the seated figure in the far left and another vertical line below the back feet of the grey horse. Apart from some occasional signs of craquelure the paint surface is overall in good condition. Held in a decorative gilt 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

Born in Cairo, Henri Rousseau received his artistic training in Paris in the studio of Jean-Léon Gérôme. While Gérôme is best known for his finely rendered exotic interiors full of detail, Rousseau followed in the tradition of Eugène Fromentin and Adolf Schreyer. His paintings of Morroccan and Algerian life typically depict nomadic horsemen, surrounded by open spaces and high skies, or town scenes.

Rousseau typically painted animated compositions, full of movement and dynamism in bright and shimmering colours. Unlike many of the Orientalist painters who created imaginary scenes in their Paris studios, Rousseau was no stranger to these exotic lands, and his paintings display great spontaneity of execution and an accurate rendering of light, as exemplified by the present work.