René Bassouls

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 7 October 2012, Lot 283

The work is in good condition overall. There are scattered spots of small paint losses throughout, most notably on the lower left quadrant and center area (on the horse) with craquelures. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered areas of retouching along the corners, edges and margins, particularly on the lower left and upper right corners. Framed, under Plexiglas.
"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."

Like many European artists who were enamored by Vietnam and the country’s rich culture and landscape, René Bassouls’ oeuvre can be seen as one man’s visual documentation of his sojourns and the people whom he met and befriended. Together with his peers such as Gaston Roullet, Henry Vollet, Louis Rollet and Henri Mege, all these individuals traveled around the world recording their experiences and memories.

Bassouls was a graduate of the prestigious Institution of Travel Painters in France. An avid traveler much of his paintings are dedicated to the countries that he visited throughout his lifetime. The present painting Une Procession en Indochine (A Procession in Indochina) was created in 1927 during the artist’s visit to the northern region of Vietnam. Through the quality of the artist’s work, the painting is reflective of the artist’s great admiration and acceptance for his surroundings.

In Une Procession en Indochine (A Procession in Indochina), Bassouls was able to explore space by selecting his composition carefully. The narrative of the work reveals the vibrant cultures and traditions found in the northern communities. Bassouls has captured with expressive details a Vietnamese religious procession, and engages the audience with the magical and spiritual atmosphere of the celebration. Seen from a foreign perspective the rural gathering transcends its village surroundings, and touches the hearts of the audience with the universal understanding of human connections.