- 25
André Masson
Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 EUR
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Description
- André Masson
- Orphée
- signed with the initials A.M. (lower right)
- gouache on card
- 55,7 x 75,9 cm ; 21 7/8 x 29 7/8 in.
Provenance
The Artist's Family
Patrice Trigano (acquired from the above in 1983 and sold : Christie's, Paris, Collection Patrice Trigano, itinéraire d'une passion, 5th July 2005, lot 244)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Patrice Trigano (acquired from the above in 1983 and sold : Christie's, Paris, Collection Patrice Trigano, itinéraire d'une passion, 5th July 2005, lot 244)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Exhibited
Andros, Musée d’Art Contemporain, The Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation, André Masson and Ancient Greece, 2007, no. 24
Literature
Guite Masson, Martin Masson & Catherine Lœwer, André Masson, Catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre peint 1919-1941, Paris, 2010, vol. II : 1930-1941, illustrated pp. 6-7
Condition
Executed on cream wove paper. A close inspection reveals some minor shrinkage with associated tiny spots of paint-loss in the blue pigment of the upper centre and the yellow pigment of the male figure's right elbow. Apart from some light time-staining, notably along the edges, and a few tiny faint spots of foxing in the figure's left arm, this work is in excellent condition.
The colours of the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate overall although the yellows are slightly brighter in the original.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
"... Je compose en esprit, sous les myrtes, Orphée
L’Admirable !... le feu, des cirques purs descend ;
Il change le mont chauve en auguste trophée
D’où s’exhale d’un dieu l’acte retentissant.
Si le dieu chante, il rompt le site tout-puissant ;
Le soleil voit l’horreur du mouvement des pierres ;
Une plainte inouïe appelle éblouissants
Les hauts murs d’or harmonieux d’un sanctuaire.
Il chante, assis au bord du ciel splendide, Orphée !
Le roc marche, et trébuche ; et chaque pierre fée
Se sent un poids nouveau qui vers l’azur délire !
D’un Temple à demi nu le soir baigne l’essor,
Et soi-même il s’assemble et s’ordonne dans l’or
À l’âme immense du grand hymne sur la lyre !"
Paul Valéry, Album de vers anciens, "Orphée", 1926
L’Admirable !... le feu, des cirques purs descend ;
Il change le mont chauve en auguste trophée
D’où s’exhale d’un dieu l’acte retentissant.
Si le dieu chante, il rompt le site tout-puissant ;
Le soleil voit l’horreur du mouvement des pierres ;
Une plainte inouïe appelle éblouissants
Les hauts murs d’or harmonieux d’un sanctuaire.
Il chante, assis au bord du ciel splendide, Orphée !
Le roc marche, et trébuche ; et chaque pierre fée
Se sent un poids nouveau qui vers l’azur délire !
D’un Temple à demi nu le soir baigne l’essor,
Et soi-même il s’assemble et s’ordonne dans l’or
À l’âme immense du grand hymne sur la lyre !"
Paul Valéry, Album de vers anciens, "Orphée", 1926