Jean Souverbie

Collection particulière, France

The canvas is not lined. There are some thin craquelures to the figure at the right hand side. There are two areas of retouching: one to all the right hand of the left hand side figure, one to all the hair and above the head of the figure seen from the back. On the reverse, a piece of canvas to reinforce the original canvas has been fixed. Otherwise this work is in overall 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. 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."

signed 'Souverbie' lower left, oil on canvas. 

Dans les années 1920, imprégné de l'enseignement des peintres Nabis dont il a bénéficié à l'Académie Ranson, Jean Souverbie est à la recherche de sa propre identité artistique. L'artiste emprunte son style à la statuaire grecque à laquelle il est très sensible et s'inspire de l'oeuvre de Picasso dont il est un grand admirateur. Sous un ciel étoilé, deux femmes dénudées, aux formes sculpturales et sensuelles, apparaissent sagement assoupies sur le rivage. A l'instar de son ami Picasso quelques années auparavant, Souverbie célèbre l'âge d'or de la civilisation classique. L'Antiquité est ainsi présente non seulement dans les référence visuelles - la couronne de laurier, les drapés antiques jonchés sur le sol, les ruines du décor - mais aussi dans l'architecture harmonieuse et rigoureuse de la composition de cette œuvre.