Lot 14
  • 14

Paul-François Quinsac

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description

  • Paul-François Quinsac
  • La Fortune passe...: guidée par la Sagesse et l'Economie, elle répand ses dons sur les travailleurs
  • signed F. Quinsac. and dated 1912 (lower right)
  • oil on canvas
  • 75 3/4 by 163 5/8 in.
  • 192.5 by 415 cm

Provenance

Caisse d’Epargne, Bordeaux

Exhibited

Paris, Salon, 1912, no. 1542 

Literature

Ludovic Baschet, Catalogue illustré du Salon, Paris, 1912, p. 181, illustrated
Camille la Senne, "La Musique et le Théâtre aux Salons du Grand-Palais," Le Ménestrel, June 1, 1912, p. 169

Condition

Unlined. Faint stretcher bar marks visible. Some finely patterned craquelure in isolated areas of darker pigments, particularly in the architecture and group at left. Under UV: Small spot of inpainting in the back of the figure at far right, a few thin strokes in the proper left leg of Fortune, and thinly applied inpainting to the face of the figure to the left of Fortune. A few pin dots in hair of one figure in the group at left. A few isolated spots of inpainting along extreme edges of the canvas, possibly to address frame abrasion. Some possible areas of brushy inpainting to clouds at upper edge, left of center. Given the impressive size of this work, the restorations are few and far between.
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.

Catalogue Note

In this monumental, mural-sized painting, Paul-François Quinsac has imagined an allegory of Fortune. His blindfolded Charity is perched atop a winged wheel, guided by figures of Wisdom and Economy and dispensing coins to tool-wielding workers below. This potent symbolism is heightened by a tour-de-force of atmospheric effect, with an other-worldly green glow emanating from the right, piercing a composition of pink, violet and blue.

In addition to being known through its 1912 Salon postcard, this painting was once an impressive addition to the walls of the central savings bank (caisse d’épargne) in Bordeaux.