Oswald Poreau, Seated Nude in Leather Boots, Oil Painting

1900 - 1920

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A fine oil on canvas depicting a seated woman wearing only a pair of knee-high leather boots. Her legs are crossed and she holds her left hand to her face.

It’s an interesting painting for several reasons. Firstly, the composition has us standing by a chair looking down at the right side of her body. This unusual view highlights her curves and fleshy skin tones, which are rendered with an impressionistic touch.

Secondly, the artist, Oswald Poreau (1877-1955), was primarily a landscape painter and isn’t known for nudes - so maybe this is an intimate portrayal set within a home? There’s certainly a degree of sensuality to it.

And thirdly, why is she wearing boots? Had this been discussed during the sitting? Was it her idea or his?

Oswald Poreau was a Belgian artist who trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels under Joseph Stallaerts.

The painting is signed/dated in the lower left.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 13” x 21” / 34cm x 53cm

Year of creation: 1920

Provenance: France

Condition: A few minor losses but overall very presentable. Craquelure in areas. Frame with a little wear.

Artist’s auction highlight: £7,110 achieved in 1912 for ‘Chalands sur le canal enneigé’.

Physical Dimensions

Height

53cm (20.87")

Width

34cm (13.39")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA745501

Description

A fine oil on canvas depicting a seated woman wearing only a pair of knee-high leather boots. Her legs are crossed and she holds her left hand to her face.

It’s an interesting painting for several reasons. Firstly, the composition has us standing by a chair looking down at the right side of her body.

“

This unusual view highlights her curves and fleshy skin tones, which are rendered with an impressionistic touch.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. Oswald Poreau, Seated Nude In Leather Boots, Oil Painting — fig 1. Oswald Poreau, Seated Nude in Leather Boots, Oil Painting

Secondly, the artist, Oswald Poreau (1877-1955), was primarily a landscape painter and isn’t known for nudes - so maybe this is an intimate portrayal set within a home? There’s certainly a degree of sensuality to it.