André Lhote

Private Collection, France (the artist's sister-in-law; by descent from the artist)
Private Collection, France (the artist's niece, a gift from the above)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

The canvas is lined. There are two 1.5cm. areas of paint loss to the left arm of the sitting figure and a 1cm. sq. area of retouching to the forearm. There are several intermittent spots of paint loss to the upper body of the reclining figure and some tiny paint losses to the two upper corners. Apart from some removable surface deposits visible under UV light, this work is in good condition. Colours: The colours are richer and deeper in the orignal.
"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."

The present work by André Lhote is a stunning example of his unique Cubist style that was influenced by both the geometric abstraction of Cezanne and the Primitivist exoticism of Gauguin. The flat planes of colour fuse beautifully with the rounded shapes of the torsos, hinting at Cubism but retaining a strong figurative element that evokes the classical tradition of nudes in an Arcadian setting. By rendering this classical subject in a modernist fashion, Lhote challenges the traditional canons of female beauty, and the exotic sexuality of these nudes would have appeared very subversive to his contemporaries. 

Lhote's interest in art theory and art criticism made him one of the most ambitious painters of his day. He contributed to La nouvelle revue francaise for 25 years and fiercely defended the role of the artist as theoretician and not as mere decorator. What is clear in this picture is that Lhote can evoke a vision of classical beauty with a profoundly modern artistic vision.