PIERRE-AUGUSTE RENOIR | Œdipe Roi

Estate of the Artist
Carl H. Jucker, Winterthur
Private Collection, Switzerland (acquired from the above in 1941)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Bernheim-Jeune (ed.), L'Atelier de Renoir, Paris, 1931, vol. I, no. 114, illustrated pl. 40
Guy-Patrice & Michel Dauberville, Renoir Catalogue raisonné des tableaux, pastels, dessins et aquarelles 1895-1902, Paris, 2010, vol. III, no. 2145 B., illustrated p. 249 (illustration of the larger canvas)

The canvas is not lined. There is a milky varnish preventing the UV light from fully penetrating, however examination under UV light reveals some areas of fluorescence to the upper and left ledges, possibly associated with retouching. There is a pinhole to the centre of the upper edge and a pinhole to the centre of the lower edge with associated pigment loss, and there are further spots of pigment loss at each corner. There are some areas of pigment shrinkage, primarily to the lower left quadrant. This work is in overall good condition.
"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 1895, Paul Gallimard, Director of the Théâtre des Variétés, commissioned Renoir to decorate his homes in Paris and Normandy. Encouraged by his friend, actor Jean Mounet-Sully, Renoir created a series of paintings and sketches centred on the story of L’Œdipe Roi, a French version by Jules Lacroix of Sophocles’ iconic Greek drama. Indeed, it was the role that had made Mounet-Sully’s name. The present remarkable painting comes from this series and depicts Mounet-Sully at the dramatic climax of the tragedy, when Oedipus steps out of the palace confronting the citizens of Thebes, having gouged out his eyes after learning the full horror of his prophesied fate. Unfortunately the commission was never finished and the sketches were sold by Renoir's estate after his death.

This work is accompanied by an Attestation of Inclusion from the Wildenstein Institute, and it will be included in the forthcoming Renoir Digital Catalogue raisonné, currently being prepared under the sponsorship of the Wildenstein Plattner Institute, Inc.