Galerie Georges Petit, Paris
Private Collection, Paris
Sale: Libert, Paris, April 5, 1974, lot 66
Sale: Ader-Tajan, Paris, April 8, 1994, lot 95
Richard Green, London
Acquired from the above

Denise Bazetoux, Henri Lebasque, Catalogue raisonné, vol. I, Neuilly-sur-Marne, 2008, no. 958, illustrated🌼 p. 247

Executed on buff colored paper laid down on canvas. Slight creases in sheet at upper left and lower left corners. Under UV light: scattered spots of inpainting at lower left corner and just below figure. A few small spots in center of figure. Otherwise fine, 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.

As Lisa Banner notes, "Lebasque demonstrates in his odalisques, as in all his best work, a quiet vitality and an energy contained even in repose. Lebasque painted his young models in poses of penetrating intimacy and subtle clarity. The model's form is rounded by softening colors and the effects of light, with which Lebasque clothes her body... Henri Lebasque invites the viewer into this intimate and private world, laden with the power of suggestion and seduction" (L. Banner & P. Fairbanks, Lebasque, 1865 -1937 (exhibition catalogue), San Francisco, 1986, p. 72).

Set aga💦inst a richly colored background of textiles, the model in the present work displays her body while at the same time turning her face away. The raking light beautifully captures the surface tones of her skin, whose 𓆉smoothness and curvilinear forms are in stark contrast to the opulent patterned draperies behind her.