The Library: Surrealist Still Life with Jackdaw, Jay, Books and Sea Shells: Gothic French Oil on Canvas

1900 - 1920

Sold by Skippings Fine Arts

Description

A fascinating, surrealist still life with birds, books and sea shells. Unsigned, this idiosyncratic oil on canvas is French in origin, and was in the from the collection of the renowned painter Michel-Henry (1928-2016).

It is not easy to date, but judging by the patina on canvas and stretcher, I would imagine the artwork to date from the the first quarter of the 20th century.

I have not been able to identify the stamp from the fine art suppliers on the back of the canvas, which would help. However, the stamp of a colour merchant on the verso is almost always a sign of distinction, especially in the early 20th century.

With minor old repair to the back, the painting measures 65 x 46 cm. The overall framed size in a more recent oak frame is 74 x 56.

Physical Dimensions

Height

65cm (25.59")

Width

46cm (18.11")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Skippings Fine Arts has dated this piece to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA651724

Dealers Notes

Nous parlons français, und wir sprechen auch Deutsch! Paintings may be viewed in Norwich and in Paris, as well as in London and Cambridge by appointment. Please contact us if you would like further details and images of an artwork.

Description

A fascinating, surrealist still life with birds, books and sea shells.

“

Unsigned, this idiosyncratic oil on canvas is French in origin, and was in the from the collection of the renowned painter Michel-Henry (1928-2016).

Skippings Fine Arts

fig 1. The library: surrealist still life with jackdaw, jay, books and sea shells: gothic French oil on canvas — fig 1. The Library: Surrealist Still Life with Jackdaw, Jay, Books and Sea Shells: Gothic French Oil on Canvas

It is not easy to date, but judging by the patina on canvas and stretcher, I would imagine the artwork to date from the the first quarter of the 20th century.

I have not been able to identify the stamp from the fine art suppliers on the back of the canvas, which would help. However, the stamp of a colour merchant on the verso is almost always a sign of distinction, especially in the early 20th century.

With minor old repair to the back, the painting measures 65 x 46 cm. The overall framed size in a more recent oak frame is 74 x 56.