Skippings Fine Arts has dated this piece to the 1940s.
The artist who painted it, Marcel François Rendu (1882-1961) specialised in depicting the lives of working class people in the second quarter of the 20th century with a kitchen sink realism that is sympathetic yet never sentimental. After all, these were his own people - Rendu was of modest origins and as a pure heart never rose to riches.
He started his career in Antibes in the South of France but regularly exhibited in Paris from the 1920s onwards, at the Salon des Indépendants and at the Salon d'Automne. He has a breakthrough solo exhibition at the Galerie Henry in 1930.
Our oil on canvas measures 27 x 35 cm and is signed at the lower right. The overall framed size being 44.5 x 52 cm.
A quick word about the original frame which is a little special. At Skippings Fine Arts, we value authenticity and sustainability. Frames tend to age less well that paintings; this one, dating from the poor period of the 1940s, in pine and paster-covered had become stained, chipped and simply unpalatable.
One of the artisans I work with gave it new life. Leaving the bevel distressed as a nod to the past, the liner was cleaned and patinated in a custom mixed shade that perfectly compliments the painting. The moulding was stripped, stained and and limed. The result is a sober frame perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the artwork. A photo of the work that was involved is attached!
Skippings Fine Arts has dated this piece to the 1940s.
Modern french & continental pictures selected by a former french auction house expert
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Skippings Fine Arts Profile Page
Young Woman Soaping Her Feet, Ca 1940 Interior Scene French Oil on Canvas.
