Jean-Théodore Dupas

Acquired by the present owner circa 1970

Louis Cheronnet, "Normandie," Art et Décoration, July 1935, p. 253
Yvanhoé Rambosson, "Le Paquebot Normandie, Héraut de France," Mobilier et Décoration, July 1935, pp. 267-268
Pierre Kjellberg, Art Déco: Les Maîtres du Mobilier, Paris, 1981, p. 263 
Bruno Foucart, et al., Normandie Queen of the Seas, New York, 1985, p. 72 
Louis-Rene Vian, Arts Décoratifs À Bord des Paquebots Français 1880-1960, Paris, 1992, pp. 192-199
John Maxtone-Graham, Normandie: France's Legendary Art Deco Oceanliner, New York, 2007, pp. 92-93, 206 and 24
Carol Herselle Krinsky, "Art Deco Aboard Normandie," Seaport, March-May 2010, pp. 28 and 30-31

Overall in very good condition. This series of the panel with a spectacular portion of the narrative displaying the deeply sculptural figures that characterized Dupas' masterwork for the Normandie. When viewed in person, the panels present with extraordinary detailing to the body of the woman and depth to the decorative motif thanks to the gilt and silver leaves. The silver leaves are not as visible as on the catalogue illustration, with greater harmony to the figure. The glass presents with a few minor surface scratches, minute scattered edge abrasions, a few minor scattered discolorations to the gilt and silver motif and minor surface soiling consistent with age and gentle use. The right panel with a small chip along the top edge, visible in the catalogue illustration and measuring approximately 1 x 1/2 inch, a smaller chip along the right side, at 3/4 of the height and only visible upon close inspection, a small internal chip that has been sensitively stabilized at the bottom of the left side. The corners of the upper edge of the panel with a few small and scattered areas of minor hairlines visible in the catalogue illustration and not visually distracting. The other panel with a chip to the right corner along the lower edge, measuring 1 1/2 inch in length, with a small adjacent loss to the eglomise decoration at the reverse of the glass, visible in the catalogue illustration, a small internal chip with has been sensitively stabilized to the proper left edge, only visible upon close inspection. The panel with a few very minor isolated losses to the decoration, none visually distracting, the largest one to the right leg of the woman, measuring 1/2 inch in length and visible in the catalogue illustration. A vertical line of discoloration below the dolphin tail, visible in the catalogue illustration. The panels retain their original red lining, respectively numbered AS AFT/Row 1 #2 and AS AFT/Row 1 #3 with a few tears and respectively 6 and 5 small remnants of adhesive material from the previous installation, not at all visible from the front of the panels. Two masterpieces from an iconic work by Dupas, distinguished by the dynamic figurative composition accented by vibrant polychrome details.
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.