N08783

/

Lot 80
  • 80

Eugène Delacroix

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Eugène Delacroix
  • Interior of a Church: Ordination of Carmelites
  • oil on paper laid down on canvas
  • 16 1/2 by 13 in.
  • 41.9 by 33 cm

Provenance

Possibly, Dr. Angell, Boston (by 1887)
Possibly, Erwin Davis (and sold: his sale, Fifth Avenue Art Galleries, New York, March 19, 1889, lot 65, as Interior of a Church)
Possibly, Joseph Kerrigan, New York (circa 1930)
P. T. Bonham, New York
Private Collector, New York (acquired from the above and sold, Sotheby's, New York, May 24, 1988, lot 10, illustrated)
Salander-O'Reilly, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1989

Literature

Probably, Théophile Silvestre, Eugène Delacroix, Paris, 1855, p. 82 (as L'Église des Carmes, (esquisse))
Lee Johnson, The Paintings of Eugène Delacroix, A Critical Catalogue (The Public Decorations and their Sketches), vol. VI, Oxford, 1989, p. 197-8, no. 154a, illustrated pl. 76

Condition

This work in on paper, laid on canvas. Under UV, inpainting is revealed in the top left and around the perimeter, presumably to address rubbing from the frame. There is also a small touch-up to the alter. The old 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 present work, executed circa 1828, depicts the ordination of a group of Carmelite friars, with the figure in the center middleground prostrating himself as was the customary ritual. The color scheme of ochres, reds and blacks compares to two interior scenes of similar size from the 1820s (Cromwell at Windsor Castle and Cardinal Richelieu saying Mass).  The lack of early provenance suggests that Delacroix may have given the present work as a gift to a friend (Johnson, pp. 197-8).