Jos Albert

Mr Van Haeren, Belgium (by 1986)
Galerij De Vuyst, Lokeren
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2009

Brussels, Musée d'Ixelles, Jos Albert, 1986

The canvas has not been lined. There is a pattern of superficial craquelure throughout, notably in the upper half of the composition. Ultra-violet light reveals some scattered strokes of cosmetic retouching in the background in the upper half of the canvas. The picture is in good condition and ready to hang. Presented in a simple black wooden frame with a gilt inner slip. Colours: colours are slightly deeper and the reds are somewhat more pronounced than in the catalogue illustration.
"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 Brussels in 1886, Jos Albert trained as a painter at the Académie de Saint-Josse-ten-Noode between 1903 and 1912, where he soon incorporated into his style the colours and the technique of the Fauves. This is clearly visible in the present work, where Albert's selection of perspective and of dark blue hues are also reminiscent of certain works by Paul Cézanne.

Works by Jos Albert can be found in the collections of the in Musées Royaux des Beaux-arts de Belgique, Brussels, and at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Ghent.