Achille Laugé

Private collection, France

To be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the work of Achille Laugé being prepared by Nicole Tamburini.

This work is in good condition. The work is unlined, and the surface has been cleaned. There is a spot of inpainting on the tablecloth at the lower left corner half an inch in diameter. There are few other specks in the background, otherwise the work is fine.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In his earlier works Achille Laugé is clearly influenced by the work of Georges Seurat whose controversial painting La Grande Jatte was exhibited in Paris in 1886. After 1900, Laugé applied his pigments more freely, with enlarged strokes and thick impasto that brought him closer to a traditional impressionist technique whilst maintaining his ability to paint the translucence of southern light. He applied to his canvasses bold, carefully placed brushstrokes which he used to build up layers of thick impasto resulting in expressive works infused with color and light.