19th Century European Art

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Lot 97
  • 97

Alfred Stevens

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Description

  • Alfred Stevens
  • Femme au chapeau de paille

  • signed with the artist's monogrammed signature AStevens (upper right); stamped with artist's wax seal on the reverse

  • oil on panel
  • 21 3/4 by 16 in.
  • 55.5 by 40.8 cm

Provenance

H. Samuel, Brussels
Private Collection (and sold: Sotheby's London, November 16, 2004, lot 245, illustrated)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Exhibited

Brussels, Musée d'Art Moderne, Exhibition Alfred et Joseph Stevens, 1928, no. 58

Literature

Gustave Van Zype, Les frères Stevens, Brussels, 1936. no. 197
Christiane Lefebvre, Alfred Stevens, Paris, 2006, no. 24, illustrated p. 39

Condition

Very good condition, on a stable panel; under UV: inpainting to address frame abrasion at lower left and upper right edge, heavy varnish fluoresces unevenly.
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.

Catalogue Note

The model in the present painting does not represent a portrait, but rather a visual "device" or "vehicle" which allowed Stevens to depict an amalgamation of fashion accoutrements, props he most likely had readily available in his studio.   Set against what appears to be a Chinoisérie background; his model wears an exotic straw hat, decorated with a tiny, colorful parasol.  Stevens wraps her in a bright red shawl, and pins two pale pink roses beneath the bow adorning her white blouse.  Stevens' women are always dressed in the latest fashion and one may surmise that these accessories represented the latest trends in Parisian couture