Frédérique Vallet-Bisson

Paris, Salon, 1909, no. 1756 (portrait de Mme J. P….)

Unlined. Visible horizontal stretcher bar marks and widely patterned craqelure. Thinly painted in areas.
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.

After studying with Jules Joseph Lefebvre, the renowned figure painter of the late nineteenth century, Frédérique Vallet-Bisson would go on to exhibit often at the Salons of the sociétaire des Artistes Français as well as the Salon des femmes. The artist is best remembered for her paintings of women and flowers as well as her expressive Belle Époque portraits, such as the present impressive composition of “Mme J. P….”, likely a commissioned work.  While the exact identity of the woman elegantly dressed in black has yet to be determined, the artist’s keen attention to detail and expressive brushstroke suggest the specific personality of both the sitter and her canine companion. Throughout the Belle Époque portraits by artists like Vallet-Bisson, along with her contemporaries Giovanni Boldini and John Singer Sargent, evidenced the splendor of the period—very often through its fashion.  The popularity of Vallet-Bisson’s paintings in the early 1900s is demonstrated by their reproduction in chromolithographs used for calendars or as part of advertising campaigns.