Dietz Edzard

Leicester Galleries, London

London, Leicester Galleries, Summer Exhibition of Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture and Prints by Modern Artists, Summer 1935, cat. no. 78.

Gerd Muehsam, D. Edzard, New York, 1948, cat. no. 91, illustrated.

The canvas appears to be original. There are some very small losses visible at the edges, especially at the lower edge. There are two possible small restored losses at the middle of the right edge. There is a light pattern of craquelure in the figure's hips, only visible upon extremely close inspection. There is some minor surface dirt and studio detritus in places. Subject to the above the work is in overall very good condition. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals one small area of possible retouching in the figure's hair. The work is presented in a carved and moulded wooden frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

'On May 16, 1935, a new English theatrical star blazed into prominence with the suddenness of a supernova. Nearly every London newspaper carried headlines such as "Stage Fame in a Night", "She Finds Herself a Star in the Morning".' Langston Day, Vivien Leigh: A Brilliant English Actress, The Vivien Leigh Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, THM/433/9/3

Dietz Edzard was a German painter and graphic artist who found inspiration in Paris, moving there in 1928. There, he found favour with a number of collectors, as well as the famed art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, whose support aided Dietz’s artistic career considerably, with his paintings proving particularly popular in America and Canada. His post-Impressionist style of painting is typically characterised by soft, opalescent colours and a warm, glowing light, as seen in the present work.  Here, Vivien is depicted in The Mask of Virtue, her first theatre role of real significance, which opened on 16th May 1935. Despite playing only a supporting role, Vivien made such an impression upon the audience of industry grandees and critics that when the reviews were published the following day they spoke almost exclusively of this new young, talented and beautiful actress. A film contract with Alexander Korda and the offer of numerous leading roles soon followed.