- 283
Mai Trung Thu
Description
- Mai Trung Thu
- Les Quatre Musiciennes (The Four Musicians)
Signed in English, stamped with a seal of the artist and dated '78 in Chinese
Ink and gouache on silk laid on masonite board
- 55 by 120.5 cm.; 21 1/2 by 47 1/4 in.
- This work is accompanied with the artist's original frame and bordure.
Provenance
Mrs Maï Lan Phuong, the artist's daughter, France
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."
Catalogue Note
Mai Trung Thu (1906-1980), one of the first graduates of the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts School of Hanoi, first developed his artistic pedigree via music, spending time as a student under the tutelage of a professional musician. After graduation, Mai Thu even performed in Paris with famous musicologist Tran Van Khe, where they were awarded the Special Record distinction for playing the Vietnamese monochord, the dan doc huyen. These experiences of the sound were to later play an influential role in his life as a painter.
In this present work, Lot 283 Les Quatre Musiciennes (The Four Musicians), is a rare quadriptych piece that draws on Mai Thu's own personal artistic past. Displayed before us, four Vietnamese women playing different traditional instruments denoting love and romantic melodies. Another one of Mai Thu's thematic thread of women, children and music.