Pierre-Charles Le Mettay

Acquis sur le marché de l'art parisien dans les années 1970.

Diana and Adonis: The painting is in relatively good state of preservation. Under a very dirty varnish. It has been properly relined during the second half of the 20th century. There is a small superficial scratch in the varnish going across the composition in the body of Adonis, a second minor scratch in his foot. There are some little flaking under the dog and above the ship on the right. Under UV light: Under a green uniform varnish. There is a little restoration of one centimetre above the head of Diana. No other visible restoration. Venus at her bath: The painting is in overall good condition. It has been properly relined during the second half of the 20th century. There are two little lacks of one centimetre square each on the left of the composition in the trees and in the bird. There are some very light scratch in the centre of the composition. We can see a little area where the varnish has been removed in Venus’ body (visible on the reproduction). Under UV light: Under a green uniform varnish. We can notice a little retouching at the right of Cupidon’s head. There is a restoration in the rock under the red drapery.
"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."

La redécouverte de ces deux délicates œuvres de Pierre Charles Le Mettay, rare artiste du XVIIIème français, met en lumière un merveilleux peintre du style rococo. Peu de choses nous sont parvenues sur Le Mettay : originaire de Fecamp, il devient l’élève de François Boucher qui marque de toute évidence son art . Il obtient en 1748 le premier prix de peinture de L’Académie des Beaux Arts où il est reçu membre le 30 juillet 1757. Il participa cette même année à l’exposition du Salon où il présenta Bacchus remis entre les mains des Nymphes et fut nommé peintre personnel de Louis XV.

Diane et Adonis et Vénus au bain sont deux œuvres caractéristiques du style rocaille qui se développe en France sous le règne de Louis XV. L’éloge de la féminité tout d’abord, faisant la part belle à l’élégance, aux carnations nacrées et aux nus sensuels chers à l’esthétique de François Boucher. Les compositions ambitieuses, jouant du jeu des courbes et de contre courbes résonnent merveilleusement avec le format, pleinement XVIIIème de l’ovale.