Offered by Galerie Delvaille
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French furniture of the 18th century & French figurative paintings
Watercolor on paper signed lower right
Dimensions: H. 28.5 x W. 21.5 cm (with original frame: H. 33.5 x W. 26.5 cm)
Former Collection of Mr. Georges Fromage (Rouen)
Label on back of “Aquarellistes” Exhibition in 1923, Galeries Georges Petit
Born into a family of painters and illustrators, Maurice Leloir was awarded the second Prix de Rome for his incredible mastery of drawing from an early age. The war of 1870 prevented him from continuing his studies at the Beaux-Arts, and he had to turn to the illustration of classical works, with a strong taste for antique costume, particularly that of the 18th century. He is close to the great academic portraitists of the period, such as Édouard Detaille, Gustave Jacquet, François Flameng...
Leloir is considered the infallible specialist in historical scenes, and as such is sought after by printers for advertising work of all kinds. His signature can be found on images for Le Bon Marché, La Bénédictine, Calvet wine, Clicquot champagne, etc. He was commissioned to decorate Antonin Bordes' villa in Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat in 1903, and the Marquise de Sévigné's salon on boulevard de la Madeleine. Called to Hollywood by Douglas Fairbanks in 1928, he created the costumes and sets for the film “The Iron Mask”.
From the 1880s onwards, Maurice Leloir was recognized as a painter of “archaeological” meticulousness, and took part in historical museum exhibitions and Universal Expos. Leloir played a leading role in the 1900 exhibition, which gave pride of place to costumes and accessories. Leloir is also world-famous for his illustrations of Alexandre Dumas' novel "Les trois mousquetaires"
This oval watercolor depicts a scene from Parisian life at the end of the 18th century, and demonstrates Maurice Leloir's mastery of this difficult technique. A wealthy client, accompanied by her young knight, is presented with clothes and fine fabrics. This is exactly the world in which the artist excelled. The finesse of the drawing is remarkable, and the liveliness and diversity of the colors exceptional. The watercolor's perfect state of preservation is noteworthy, with a total absence of damp spots and a rare freshness. This watercolor, executed between 1900 and 1920, retains its attractive original gilded wooden frame. Glued to the back is a label from the famous Galeries Georges Petit, where this watercolor was exhibited in 1923 alongside works by the most skilled watercolorists of the period.
