Private Collection, France

The painting is well-preserved, considering its age and the rarity of finding an existing work by the artist. There has been retouchings and repairs in general. A small hole is detected on the upper middle (shoulder of the standing figure in white ao dai) as well as another small hole in the center (on the basket). The colours of the actual painting are stronger, with a slightly more pronounced yellow tint. The turquoise shades in the catalogue illustration are more green-toned in reality.
"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."

Scéne de Marché de rue Indochinois (Street Market scene in Indochina) marks the very first time a work of art by Nguyen Tuong Tam in an international sale. Born in 1905 to a modest family in Hai Duong (North💙 Vietnam), the young Nguyen Tuong Tam lost his father, a judge and translator, in his early years. In spite of this difficult circumstance, all the seven children of the Nguyen Tuong fami🔯ly defied the odds and became famous for their contribution to the country and culture of Vietnam.

Nguyen Tuong Tam, whose nom de plume is Nhat Linh, wℱas the founder of the famous Vietnamese  literary group  called "Tu Luc Van Doan/ Groupe Littéraire Autonome", together with fellow writer Khai Hung. He was a student in the first wave of École des Beaux Arts de Hanoi's promotion and was a classmate of Le Pho, Nguyen Phan Chanh, Le Van De, Mai Trung Thu, Georges Khanh, Cong van Trung and Le Ang Phan, who are now considered to be the original pioneers of Modern Vietnamese Art.

With its subtle and warm palette, graceful lines and delica💜te silk, the present work demonstrates l'Ecole des Beaux Arts de Hanoi's beautifully unique and sublime silk paintings.  De♛picting the hustle and bustle of a scene in a typical South Vietnamese market, with women and children as an important focal point, it illustrates the artist's interest in social structure and interactions and perhaps signified his future as a sharp observer of the social and cultural evolution of his country.

In 1927, in spite of his talent, Nguyen Tuong Tam m🐷ade a personal choice to leave the École in order to pursue journalism and a career as a writer, much to the regret of his professors, notably the painter and director Victor Tardieu. It was a choice that was not looked upon favourably by the French Authority, as it was a disconcerting period of transition in Indochina. This period of revolution from ancient to modern times shook the structure of society and politics in this French Colony.

In order to live his new life asꦰ "a free artist", Nguyen Tuong Tam continued to create silk paintings and held a few exhibitions in Hanoi, Saigon and Phnom Penh. No one knows for certain how many works he produced exactly during these early years. His writings, on the other hand, was considered revolutionary and he was thus closely observed by the French police.

After 1929, Tam stopped painting and established "Phong Hoa" in 😼Hanoi, a famous, avant-garde social literary review that promoted change, to replace conservatives ideas wi𒁏th modern ones that would advance social & educational evolution.

Not only Tam was considered to be a Leader in the Vietnamese cultural & art scene, he was also an important modern writer and novelist, and a well-know politician. Few knew Tam as a painter as not many of his paintings survived the vagaries of revolution and time. A well-preserved, sizeable piece such as the present Lot is a true rarity, not only because few are in existence, but also because it provides an im🀅portant glimpse into the heritage of one of the renowned and important pioneers of Modern Vietnam.♏