Frits Thaulow

M. Knoedler & Co., New York;
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel T. Peters;
Parke-Bernet, New York, October 14, 1943, lot 81;
Collection of Clara Gombos Kelen;
Gifted by the above to the present owner.

Original canvas. Surface in generally good condition aside from stretcherbar marks (all four edges), surface dirt, faint craquelure. Two minor, small holes, lower right quadrant and a pin dot of loss, same area. Under UV; possible old green varnish, with a few possibly spots of repaint in the center of the sky.
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 August 1901, Thaulow went to the small town of Quimperlé in Brittany in order to paint the town and the rivers which run through it. He explored the countryside and enjoyed it so much that he stayed four more months. His enthusiasm even convinced Auguste Rodin to visit him for a few days in the middle of September.
One of his main subjects was the washerwomen at the Pont Fleuri over the Ellé river, the main example being reserved for the 1902 Salon in Paris (Société Nationale des Beaux Arts). A colored etching of the same subject was produced in 1904.
In this painting the washerwomen are not to be seen. The artist has painted the bridge from the Rue Ellé, looking towards the Faubourg de Lovignon. It looks about the same today with a few modifications to the buildings on the far side.