Maximilien Luce

Frédéric Luce, Paris
Wildenstein & Co., New York
Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York
Wiener Gallery, New York
Acquired from the above in January 1972

New York, Wildenstein & Co., Seurat and his Friends, 1953, no. 82, illustrated in the catalogue

Philippe Cazeau, Maximilien Luce, Paris, 1982, illustrated p. 49
Jean Bouin-Luce & Denise Bazetoux, Maximilien Luce, Catalogue de l'oeuvre peint, vol. II, Paris, 1986, no. 655, illustrated p. 165

Artist's signature and date ('Luce, 1893') are concealed by a glue lining on the reverse. Under UV light, no inpainting is apparent.
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.

Femme cousant is a striking example of Luce's domestic compositions, in which he selects a simple chore as his central theme. He creates an intimate portrait of domestic life by rendering his subject with respect and tenderness, applying uniform brushstrokes to capture the play of light around the figure's face and hair. "The quiet heroic lives of working people and their world...were his subject matter, portrayed in scintillating dots of exuberant colour"(Jean Bouin-Luce & Denise Bazetoux, op. cit., p. 404).