Jean-Bruno Gassies

Anonymous sale, Zürich, Koller, 19 September 1996, lot 101;
With Galerie Renoncourt, Paris;
From whom purchased by the husband of the present owner in 1996.

Paris, Prix de Rome competition, 1817.

This large canvas has not been restored in years and would likely respond very well to a cleaning. The varnish has discolored and become milky over time, though a few isolated areas of repaint are visible under uv, namely an old repaired tear in the red cloak of the male figure at left. Other isolated retouches are visible but largely the figures are in very good condition. An area of the white drapery in the female figure at right gives an indication of the bright color underneath the varnish. In a carved gilt wood frame.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This painting was Gassies’s entry for the 1817 Prix de Rome competition for history painting.  The subject chosen for that year was an episode from Plutarch’s Life of Theseus which recounts the rescue by twin brothers, Castor and Pollux, of their sister Helen, who had been abducted by Theseus.  The first prize winner that year was Léon Cogniet.

Gassies entered the École des Beaux-Arts in 1814 and studied with François-André Vincent, Pierre Lacour and Jacques-Louis David.   As well as historical subjects, he produced landscapes, marine views, allegories and religious paintings.  He exhibited regularly at the Salon from 1810-1833 and was decorated with the Légion d’Honneur in 1822.