AUGUSTE RODIN | Femme tenant son vêtement

Private Collection, Paris
Private Collection, Paris (by descent from the above; sale: Drouot Richelieu, Paris, 31st March 2016, lot 178)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down and hinged to the mount at two places along the upper edge. The sheet is lightly time stained and there are some areas of discolouration notably to the background. There are two repaired tears to the upper left quadrant. This work is in overall fairly 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. 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."

Dated circa 1890-95, the present work is part of a series of drawings executed by Auguste Rodin which he named de transition. Relating to several works in the collection of the Musée Rodin, the figure's garment is simplified to a geometric and minimal sack-like form. During this decade, Rodin used laid letter paper, often English in origin, which was sold pre-folded; Rodin would cut the paper at the fold and only use half of the leaf.

This work will be included in the forthcoming Catalogue raisonné des dessins et peintures d’Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) being prepared by Christina Buley-Uribe under number 160606.