HENRI LEBASQUE (FRENCH, 1865-1937) *

Exhibited
Paris, 10th Expositions des Independants, 1894, no. 455;
London, Arthur Tooth & Sons, The Rim of Impressionism, 16th March - 3rd April, 1965, no. 14;
London, Arthur Tooth & Sons, Pointillism, 7th - 25th June 1966, no.10

Literature
Paul Vitry, Henri Lebasque, Georges Petit, Paris, 1928, p.19 (illustrated);
D. Bazetoux, Henri Lebasque, Catalogue Raisonné, Vol. 1, 2008, no.664, p.191 (illustrated)

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Madame Christine Lenoir.

Footnote
Painted in 1893, the present work shows the powerful, near-pointillist influence of Paul Signac and Maximilien Luce, whom Lebasque met that year at the Salon des Independants, with repetitious strokes of unmixed colour forming a cohesive composition.  The richness of the interior is enhanced by the artist revelling in a myriad of contrasting materials, colours and patterns. Lebasque married Catherine the following year and the subtle sensuality and palpable intimacy of the subject suggests she could easily be the model depicted.  They went on to have two daughters, Marthe and Nono, who appear regularly in Lebasque's work, capturing the simple domestic bliss, prevalent in the present work, which formed a significant part of his oeuvre. 

Condition Report
Original canvas which is sound; a few minor lines of vertical craquelure off the upper right border, similar to upper left corner; flecks of surface dirt  to picture frame, upper right and to material, centre left, otherwise the paint surface is in good clean condition.  Ultraviolet reveals no sign of retouching.