Achille Laugé, 1861-1944

Private Collection, Monaco (sold: Sotheby's London, 8th December 1998, lot 322)

The canvas has been relined. Ultra violet reveals some tiny spots of retouching scattered over the central part of the composition, most notably along the horizontal corresponding with the shoreline and to the tower in the top left hand quadrant. Otherwise this work is in 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."

Born in 1861 in Arzens in the Domaine de Calvayrac in the south of France, Laugé enrolled at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris in 1881 where he was undoubtedly influenced by the work of Seurat, rejecting the conservative ideals of his teachers. During these years Laugé formed lasting friendships with Aristide Maillol and Antoine Bourdelle.  Laugé returned to the south of France in 1888 where he would remain for the rest of his life.  Although he never conformed to Seurat's scientific approach, his interest in the primacy and division of colour resulted in works with a rich and translucent palette. He adopted the pointillist brushstroke in the early 1980s and continued to paint with variations of this technique during the 1890s developing towards a freer, more expressive practice with longer brush strokes during the 1900s. The present work is an excellent example of the quintessential translucent appearance of light typified by Laugé's southern French landscapes.