Paul César Helleu Portrait de Lucette au chapeau

Paul César Helleu
French
1859 - 1927
Portrait de Lucette au chapeau

signed and dedicated ma amie/ à Lucette....Helleu (lower left)
colored chalks on canvas
canvas: 32 by 25⅝ in.; 81 by 65 cm
framed: 38¾ by 31½ in.; 98.5 by 80 cm

We are grateful to Les Amis de Paul-César Helleu for confirming the authenticity of this work, which appears in their archives as APCH PA-1505

Condition Report:
The surface is in good overall condition and the colors remain fresh. Likely always housed under glass.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note:
Helleu made two pastel portraits of a woman identified as Lucette, possibly the work's first owner, Luce Poisson, wearing a gray cloche and seen here from the front.

Provenance:
Madame Luce Poisson, Paris
Private collection (by descent from the above)
Sale: Poulain le Fur, Paris, 2 March 1993, lot 157
Sale: Christie's, London, 14 June 1996, lot 59
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner