William Degouve de Nuncques

Galerie Matignon, Paris
Purchased from the above by the present owner

Original canvas. There are a few scattered very minor flecks of retouching visible under ultraviolet light, notably to the right of the extreme upper edge, and a fleck to the mountain on the left. This work is in very good condition, with rich, bright colours and a strong surface, and ready to hang. Held in a decorative, gold-painted moulded plaster and wood 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."

Painted in 1901.

Degouve de Nunques was at the heart of the Belgian Symbolist movement. He belonged to the Belgian avant-garde group Les XX and later exhibited at the Libre Esthétique. Being born into a wealthy, aristocratic family, Degouve de Nunques was able to indulge his interests in painting and music without material constraints. Although self-taught, he was advised by Jan Toorop, with whom he shared a studio, and later lived with Henry Degroux (lot 263). In 1894 he married Juliette Massin, a painter and sister-in-law of the influential Symbolist poet Emile Verhaeren, who became a close friend and introduced him to the circle of Symbolist poets. Verhaeren's poetry and Degouve's art shared many concerns, and both essentially sought to transfigure reality in the sense that it affords a view of the invisible. Degouve in particular wanted to create works that transfigure the everyday and metamorphose the real into something magic and surreal.  A regular exhibitor in Paris, Degouve de Nunques was championed by Puvis de Chavannes and Maurice Denis. His paintings are considered to have been an important influence on Surrealism and the paintings of Réné Magritte.