François Bonvin

Probably Gustave Tempelaere, Paris,

Galerie F. & J. Tempelaere, Paris;

Paul Brandt, Amsterdam, 1977;

With Stephen Ongpin Fine Art

Laren, Singer Museum, 19e en 20e eeuwse Franse kunst: aquarellen en tekeningen uit de collectie Paul Brandt, 1977, no. 6

Confidently drawn, this three quarter length study of a man wearing an apron, arms folded, is a fine example of Bonvin's intimate and contemplative figure studies. François Bonvin's approach was simplistic yet powerful and he produced many compelling works of everyday scenes, taking inspiration from the Dutch and Spanish Masters of the seventeenth century; works he would have seen first-hand in the Louvre.

François Bonvin was a leading figure of nineteenth century French Realism. His oeuvre mainly focuses on still lifes and genre scenes which are imbued with a quiet, intimate and meditative style. He was extremely supportive and nurturing to other artists in his circle and was especially encouraging to his half brother, Léon Bonvin, who also had artistic inclinations.

Many of the models depicted throughout Bonvin's work were the regular customers at the inn owned by the artist's father in Vaugirard, or his own friends and family; hiring professional models was costly and François' finances, especially earlier in his career, did not stretch so far.

Drawings, like the present sheet, often signed and dated by the artist, were considered finished works of art to be sold to clientele. Comparable drawings, executed in the same year, 1876, include studies of A young man standing, his hands tucked into his apron and A man, leaning forward, wearing an apron.¹

¹Respectively, sale, London, Bonhams, 25 September 2024, lot 31, and sale, Paris, Osenat, 25 October 2020, lot 139