Louis Marcoussis

Vente : Sotheby's, Londres, 1 avril 1987, lot 183
Acquis lors de cette vente par le propriétaire actuel

Paris, Salon des Tuileries, 1929, no. 861 (titré Le Balcon)

"Paris-Presse", 25 octobre 1929
Chil Aronson, in "Art Polonais Moderne", 1929, p. 56
Jean Cassou, Marcoussis, Paris, 1939, reproduit p. 53
Jean Lafranchis, Louis Marcoussis, Sa Vie, son œuvre, Paris, 1961, no. P. 67, reproduit p. 249

The canvas is not lined. Ultra Violet light examination shows some small scattered spots of retouching: mostly towards the edges and the lower right quadrant with a few spots in the upper and lower sections. A network of thin, superficial and stable craquelures is also visible under hard light. This work is in good, stable condition.
"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."

signed 'Marcoussis' (lower right), oil on canvas. Painted circa 1925.

Marcoussis passe l'été 1925 dans le midi. C'est là qu'il peint une série de nature morte devant une fenêtre au sein desquelles l'artiste développe de nouvelles thématiques (telles que les poissons).

"Dans le Bocal au poisson, les horizontales et verticales de la table, du balcon à gauche et de la fenêtre à droite assoient la composition, tandis que la disposition légèrement désaxée de la guitare, du livre et du couteau anime le schéma orthogonal. La couleur est redevenue locale et les formes sont plus visibles" (Jean Lafranchis, op. cit., p. 116).  

 

Marcoussis spent the summer of 1925 in the South of France, where he famously painted a series of still lives from the window of the house where he was staying.  Through this series the artist developed various new themes such as his fish motif.

"In the Bocal au poisson, the horizontal and vertical lines of the table, the balcony on the left hand side and the window to the right serve to pin down the composition whereas the slightly askew layout of the guitar, the book and the knife enlivens the rectangular design.  The colour is once again contained and the shapes are more visible" (Jean Lafranchis, op. cit., p. 116).