Émile Munier

Private Collection, Spain
Otto & Mary Emmert, Buffalo, New York (acquired from the above in circa 1930)
Elsie Emmert, Buffalo, New York (by descent from the above)
Richard and Betty Bilich (by circa 1982)
Private Collection, Georgia (and sold, Sotheby's, New York, October 23, 2008, lot 77, illustrated)
Acquired at the above sale

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This work is in beautiful condition. The canvas has an old glue lining, which is nicely presenting the paint layer. The painting is clean and varnished. There are no retouches in the face, hands or arms. There are a few retouches on the bottom edge in the lower left corner, and a handful of tiny spots in the background in the upper left. There is a small area of retouching in the shadow of the right hand above the bowl against the blue cloth. There are also a few tiny spots in the white sheet beneath the spoon. The condition is extremely good overall.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Émile Munier's early artistic training was intended to prepare him for work as an upholsterer, following in the footsteps of his father who designed for Les Gobelins the tapestry markers in Paris.  Yet, by 1869, Munier regularly exhibited at the Paris Salon and in 1872 entered William Bouguereau's studio where he soon gained a reputation as one of his most talented students.  Munier's son Henri and daughter Marie-Louise were among his favorite models.  Despite the passing of time Munier often painted his children as they appeared in earlier compositions.  Indeed, while dated from 1880, the present work depicts Marie Louise as she appeared in 1876.  Rather than  portraying his subjects as "little adults" stiffly posed in formal costume, Munier captured casual moments of daily life.  The rich silks and fabrics of her bedroom, together with her coral necklace and lace trimmed nightgown, suggest the well-appointed home in which the girl lives.

A number of variations of the present work's subject were painted, which suggests that the composition was one of the artist’s favorites and that it was beloved by his patrons.