GUSTAVE LOISEAU | La Rivière en hiver

Durand-Ruel, Paris (acquired in 1959)
Arthur Tooth & Sons, Ltd., London (acquired by 1971)
Private Collection, New York (and sold: Sotheby Parke-Bernet, New York, November 17, 1983, lot 128)
Acquired at the above sale

The canvas is not lined. The surface is slightly dirty. There are some thin craquelure throughout, mostly in the left half of the composition. There is a faint vertical stretcher bar mark in the center of the composition. Under UV light, no inpainting is apparent. The work is in good condition.
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.

Painted in 1910, La Riviére en hiver is emblematic of Loiseau’s evocative, trans-seasonal landscapes. The painting’s striking surface is comprised of expressive, crosshatched brushwork and contrasting  colors, exemplifying the artist's instinctive use of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist techniques which he derived from his close relationship with Claude Monet. In fact, the present work bears resemblance to Monet’s Le Chemin d’Epinay, effet de neige in its composition (Private Collection, New York). Both works depict winding, tree-lined river banks, but while Monet captures the essence of winter with his snowy landscape, Loiseau characteristically explores a more transitional period in his picture. Fallen autumnal foliage and patches of green shrubbery meet barren trees and an icy blue overcast sky as Loiseau depicts fall bleeding into winter.

This work will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné being prepared by Didier Imbert.