- 319
Henri Matisse
Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 USD
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Description
- Henri Matisse
- Femme au collier de perles
- Signed Henri Matisse and dated 29 (lower right)
- Sanguine and estompe on paper
- 19 1/8 by 12 3/8 in.
- 48.5 by 31 cm
Provenance
Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Private Collection (by descent from the above)
Private Collection, New York
Acquired circa 2007
Private Collection (by descent from the above)
Private Collection, New York
Acquired circa 2007
Literature
Although Matisse first visited Nice in 1917, it was only in 1922 that he settled in the town, renting an apartment in Place Charles Félix. His arrival in Nice was the prelude to a period of huge productivity, in which Matisse largely concentrated on developing his drawing skills. The year in which Femme au collier de perles was executed is reckoned to be the beginning of the golden period of Matisse's drawing; as Pierre Schneider argues, "The emergence of drawing, however, was not just a consequence of the disappearance of painting; 1928-29 witnessed a real 'flowering' of drawing in Matisse's work" (Pierre Schneider, Henri Matisse, Paris, 1984, p. 569).
This work is a wonderful example of estompe which became Matisse's preferred technique when working on paper. The technique consisted in blurring charcoal—or in this case, sanguine—with a stump eraser or even a thumb, which gives this portrait a sculptural presence, and also allows the artist to render subtle effects of light through the blending of his medium with the white paper beneath. As Matisse, commented, estompe allowed him "to consider simultaneously the character of the model, the human expression, the quality of the surrounding light; atmosphere and all that can only be expressed by drawing" (quoted in John Elderfield, The Drawings of Henri Matisse, New York, 1984, p. 84). His skill in handling this technique can clearly be seen in the subtle modeling of this work, which captures the beauty and strong expression of his sitter, possibly Henriette Darricarrère, Matisse's favorite model of the time.
This work is a wonderful example of estompe which became Matisse's preferred technique when working on paper. The technique consisted in blurring charcoal—or in this case, sanguine—with a stump eraser or even a thumb, which gives this portrait a sculptural presence, and also allows the artist to render subtle effects of light through the blending of his medium with the white paper beneath. As Matisse, commented, estompe allowed him "to consider simultaneously the character of the model, the human expression, the quality of the surrounding light; atmosphere and all that can only be expressed by drawing" (quoted in John Elderfield, The Drawings of Henri Matisse, New York, 1984, p. 84). His skill in handling this technique can clearly be seen in the subtle modeling of this work, which captures the beauty and strong expression of his sitter, possibly Henriette Darricarrère, Matisse's favorite model of the time.
Condition
Executed on cream wove paper, folded in half along left edge and affixed to a mount at several places on the verso. The folded sheet is affixed to itself at upper right corner. At lower right corner a faint P.M. stamp [Pierre Matisse stamp] in reverse is visible on the recto, the stamp placed on the verso. Medium is strong. A few tiny pindots of foxing, predominantly outside the image area. There is a small crease at lower left corner and a faint watermark at upper right corner. Top, right and bottom edges of the sheet are deckled. This works is in very 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.
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.