- 213
Henri Matisse
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Henri Matisse
- PORTRAIT DE LUCIENNE BERNARD
- signed H Matisse and dated mai 46 (lower right)
- charcoal on paper
- 52.3 by 40.3cm., 20 5/8 by 15 7/8 in.
Provenance
Acquired by the present owner in Paris in the 1950s
Condition
Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, T-hinged to the mount at two points along the top edge. There are two artist's pinholes in the top two corners. There is restorer's tape intermittently attached to the verso along all four edges. There is an overall treatment with a fixative spray which has yellowed over time, which could be removed by a professional restorer. Apart from some time staining to the edges, this work is in fairly good condition.
Colours: Overall fairly accurate although the paper tone is brighter in the original.
"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."
"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
Between 1946 and 1948 Matisse worked intensively on a series of black and white drawings in his favoured medium, charcoal. The simplicity and freedom of the works conceal an intense preoccupation with capturing a strong, almost sculptural sense of the sitter. This portrait of Lucienne Bernard illustrates the virtuosity of Matisse's draughtsmanship and exhibits Matisse's skill in suggesting strong figurative forms using the simplest of lines.
The sitter was the widow of the poet Roger Bernard, a member of the French resistance who was shot following his capture and interrogation in July 1944. An anthology of his poems was published posthumously in 1945, with illustrations by Matisse.