Lot 258
  • 258

NGUYEN NAM SON | Nude

Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 HKD
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Description

  • Nude
  • Signed and dated 1939
  • Oil and chalk on canvas
  • 72.5 by 60 cm; 28 1/2 by 23 1/2 in. 

Provenance

Formerly in the collection of the artist, thence by descent
Private Asian Collection

Condition

Evidence of light wear along the edges of the work. Upon close inspection, there is evidence of light craquelure to the surface of the paint and scattered tiny paint losses. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered signs of restoration most notably at the collarbone, proper left side of the woman's chest and her upper torso, and left quadrant of the background. Framed.
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

Born in 1890, Nguyen Nam Son (real name Nguyen Van Tho) was a Vietnamese painter and co-founder of Hanoi’s École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (Indochina Fine Arts College). He was the first prominent Vietnamese artist to paint female nude figures, introducing the Western tradition of nude painting into Vietnamese art history. Executed in 1939, several years after the establishment of the École in 1925, this work is a rare example of the co-founder’s mastery of the figurative form and technical verisimilitude. Hailing from a family of scholars, Nguyen Nam Son was trained in Chinese calligraphy and at the age of 33, met the French painter Victor Tardieu who took the young artist to France. He eventually conceived the plan for the operation of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine which served as the foundation for modern art in Vietnam and created a sense of Asian spirit and pride among this generation of artists.

Blending the mediums of oil and chalk, the artist employs grey tones in the background and warm peachy hues for the figure’s skin. Due to the conservative rules of social propriety during the 1930s, it was difficult to find models willing to pose nude. Nam Son was fortunate to meet Lady Rong, a famous singer who was a sophisticated lady, and possessed the attributes of physical beauty. Lady Rong posed as the model for the present work.

Sotheby’s is honored to exhibit this incredibly important work for the first time to a public audience.