Maurice Gangnat, Paris (acquired from the artist; sale: Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 24th & 25th June 1925, lot 53)
Purchased at the above sale by the family of the present owner

London, Malborough Fine Art Ltd., Exhibition of Paintings from European Collections in aid of the Renoir Foundation, 1956, no. 31

The canvas is lined. There is no evidence of retouching under ultra-violet light. This work is in good condition. Colours: overall fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The present work belonged to Maurice Gangnat, a collector with an extreme fondness for Renoir's paintings, in particular his small, freely-composed landscapes, still lifes and figure studies that he painted and sold in large numbers towards the end of his life. From the time he began collecting in 1905 until the artist's death, Gangnat had amassed over 150 of Renoir's works, while cultivating a strong friendship with the artist. Nature morte aux fraises is characteristic of these late works: small format, simple frontal composition, forms arranged in a basic manner on a table rather than in an elaborate ꦡspace.

However, this painting is much more carefully exꦛecuted and detailed than many of Renoir's small oils; the strawberries are modelled and arranged with an extreme delicacy. Their sun-kissed bright colours seem to glow against the simple white tablecloth and bundle of deep green leaves. Renoir would often paint small sketches when he couldn't concentrate on larger works, and would sell great numཧbers of them to supplement his income. The present work is a beautiful and intimate example of Renoir's skill with even the most basic of subjects.