Loterie des artistes (a gift from the artist)
Private Collection (acquired circa 1935)
Thence by descent (sale: Sotheby's, London, 26th June 1991, lot 116)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Brussels, Galerie des Artistes Français, Le Sidaner, 1931, no. 27

Josette Galiègue, Henri Le Sidaner en son jardin de Gerberoy (exhibition catalogue), Oise, 2001, inversely illustrated in colour p. 93

The canvas is not lined and UV examination reveals no evidence of retouching. There are some very fine lines of craquelure in places, mainly to the green pigments and a tiny paint loss to the upper right of the main lawn. Otherwise, this work is in overall very good condition. Colours: fairly accurate in the printed catalogue, though overall slightly more vivid in the original.
"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."

Le Sidaner first visited Gerberoy in the Beavais area in March 1901 after the picturesque qualities of the region were recommended to him by August Rodin. Here he created his unique garden which became a constant source of inspiration and an important new subject matter for him. The desire to create such a garden was in part also motivated by his visits to Claude Monet's famous garden at Giverny, located seventy kilometres away. The present work depicts the serene garden setting in Gerberoy, evoking a sense of peaceful, contemplative reverie. The absence of figures allows one's imagination to wander: the viewer's gaze is drawn up the garden by the two sets of steps, wondering what may lie beyond. Le Sidaner's compositions are often considered in musical terms, the rhythm of the juxtaposed dabs of colour creating a visual symphony conducting its own cords and tempo. This masterful execution is complemented by the vibrancy of the🏅 flowers and the nuances of the jewel-like greens.