- 383
Léon Pourtau
Estimate
35,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Léon Pourtau
- Soleil couchant
- signed LP. and dated 93 (lower right)
- oil on canvas
- 38 by 46cm., 15 by 18 1/8 in.
Provenance
Georges Bornet, Zurich (sale: Sotheby's, London, 23rd May 1990, lot 12)
Sale: Sotheby's, London, 28th June 2000, lot 317
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner
Sale: Sotheby's, London, 28th June 2000, lot 317
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner
Condition
The canvas is not lined. There are two repaired tears, one to the lower left corner with an associated patch to the verso, and a further small L-shaped repaired tear to the centre of the upper left quadrant with a tiny spot of associated retouching, visible under UV light. There are a few tiny paint losses in places, mainly towards the left edge. There is some light surface dirt in places, and this work would probably benefit from a clean. Otherwise, this work is in overall good 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."
"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
A friend and admirer of Seurat’s, Léon Pourtau (1872-1898) adopted and applied the principles of Pointillisme to his own painting, and had it not been for his premature death at the age of twenty-five, his work would have been acknowledged alongside the Neo-Impressionists.
His tragic death in a shipwreck on his way from America to France deprived Seurat’s followers of one of their most promising companions. His work was never exhibited, and his paintings remained, with very few exceptions, in the possession of the artist’s descendants. Soleil couchant is therefore a rare testimony to the artist’s remarkable talent.
His tragic death in a shipwreck on his way from America to France deprived Seurat’s followers of one of their most promising companions. His work was never exhibited, and his paintings remained, with very few exceptions, in the possession of the artist’s descendants. Soleil couchant is therefore a rare testimony to the artist’s remarkable talent.