Gaston Lachaise

(American/French, 1882–1935)

Figure in Motion, c. 1933-1935

Pencil on paper

Signed in pencil G. Lachaise (lower left)

Sheet size: 24 1/8 x 19 in. (61.3 x 48.3cm)

We wish to thank Virginia Budny, author of the forthcoming Catalogue Raisonné of Lachaise’s work (sponsored by the Lachaise Foundation), for her assistance in preparing the catalogue entry for the present work.

Provenance:

Felix Landau Gallery, Los Angeles, California.

Acquired directly from the above.

Private Collection, New York.

Thence by descent in the family to the present owner.

Lot Essay:

This drawing of a nude woman with greatly exaggerated anatomical features and an elaborate coiffure compares, for example, to drawings by Lachaise on similarly sized sheets of paper: Walkiing Woman, Profile, Museum of Modern Art, New York, object no 11.1935; and Walking Figure (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession no. 1988.267.1). The nude in the present drawing is more carefully rendered than the other two, and was likely executed before them. Yet, all three exhibit Lachaise’s late style in which he often took great liberties with the bodies of his ideal figures, as a means to convey extraordinary power.

In overall fair to good condition. The sheet is affixed to the underside of the mat via two large pieces of white linen tape at upper left and upper corners. The sheet is lightly toned with mat staining around the image and along the outer edges of the sheet (with accompanying discoloration). With minor creases throughout the sheet (due to the medium). With a raised surface accretion on the background at center right, along the right outer edge (not covered by the mat). Remnants of medium staining at upper left (minuscule). With remnants of old transparent duck tape along the top outer edge, and remnants of old mesh tape at upper left and right corners (verso). See Specialist's pictures for more details.
Frame: 31 x 25 7/8 x 1 3/4 in.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Raphaël Chatroux

VP, Head of Department, Impressionist & Modern Art

[email protected]267.414.1253

Raphaël Chatroux is the Head of Department for Freeman's Impressionist & Modern Art.

Chatroux joined Freeman’s in 2016 as a Fine Art department intern. Later that year, he was the Samuel M. Freeman II Fellowship recipient and was promoted to cataloguer. Since his arrival, he has developed an expertise for a wide range of American and European art. He worked closely with Chairman Alasdair Nichol on the successful sales of The Collections of Heidi Bigham Stott in 2020 and The Peltz Collection of Pennsylvania Impressionists in 2021. Chatroux is associated with recent world records obtained for artists Cecilia Beaux, Emma Fordyce McRae, and Bo Bartlett. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of a Berthe Morisot oil painting by the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. As a native of France, Chatroux has worked in various art centers in Paris including Hôtel Drouot, where he oversaw auctions of fine wine and good spirits and the Palace of Versailles, where he conceived and curated several bilingual audio-guide tours. Chatroux graduated from Paris-Sorbonne University with a degree in art history; he also holds a master’s degree in art law.

Impressionist and Modern Art, Featuring the Collection of John and Rosetta Gernon

Figure in Motion, c. 1933-1935

Impressionist and Modern Art, Featuring the Collection of John and Rosetta Gernon

Figure in Motion, c. 1933-1935

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup