蔡威廉

款識：
蔡Lien Lyon（左下）

日本私人收藏

This work is in overall very good condition. The work has been restored by a professional conservator, most notably along the four edges. There is no apparent inpainting under UV light examination.
"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."

1904年出生於上海的蔡威廉，為民國時期著名的才女，其父親為中國著名教育家暨北大校長蔡元培。蔡威廉自6歲起即隨赴歐洲考察的父親在歐洲生活，接受西方教育，通曉德語、法文，並展露對藝術的才華，先後在巴黎教會學校、比利時布魯塞爾皇家美術學校、法國里昂美術學校就讀，其創作以肖像和風景畫為主，風格近後印象畫派，她主張「繪畫不可華而不實，力求神形兼備」，1928年她由法返國，受邀擔任杭州藝專西畫系教授，以強調現代主義的開放式教學，啟發了吳冠中、朱德群等學生，在投入教育之餘也不忘創作，1929年其自畫像作品首度曝光於「全國美展」，畫中人桀驁不馴的神情、對於人物細膩心緒的傳神處理，讓她一鳴驚人，而其後她創作的《秋瑾紹興就義圖》更膾炙人口，畫中追求自由、投入革命而壯烈犧牲的女英雄至今依舊震撼人心。1939年其因生產不適而離世，像流星一般的人生，雖短暫卻也輝煌。

其存世的作品數量非常稀少，甚罕曝光於拍賣市場，《里昂風景》出自日本私人收藏，為蔡威廉早期歐遊時的作品。畫作以土褐與藍為主色，描繪在一無人的清晨從橋邊遠望山坡上的屋舍之景，當中藝術家巧妙地以鮮明的綠色彩提亮灰褐的山坡，與澄明如鏡的湖水，並藉此暗示著天光微亮，光線從右上方灑落的情境，讓作品在靜謐的氛圍中又流露時間的動感，她以低限的色彩、樸實的筆調描繪生活中平凡卻又美麗的一瞬，作品如同一塊璞玉，曖曖內含光，待人細賞。