"Portrait de Femme"

Andre Lhote

1885-1962

"Portrait de Femme"

Oil on canvas
Signed lower right: A. Lhote; titled on the frame plaque
18" H x 15" W

Reyn Gallery, New York, NY
Sold: Sotheby's, New York, NY, February 21, 1985, lot 99
Private Collection, Los Angeles, CA, acquired at the above sale

Notes:
André Lhote (1885-1962) was a French painter, sculptor, and art theorist who played a significant role in the development of modern art in the early 20th century. He was associated with various artistic movements, including Cubism, Fauvism, and Purism. Lhote's contributions extended beyond his own artistic practice, as he also had a profound influence as an art teacher and writer.

Born on July 5, 1885, in Bordeaux, France, Lhote initially pursued an academic education in philosophy and literature. However, his passion for art led him to abandon his studies and move to Paris in 1902 to pursue a career as an artist. He enrolled in the École des Beaux-Arts and began studying under various notable artists, including Eugène Carrière and Fernand Cormon.

During his early years in Paris, Lhote was exposed to the vibrant art scene and the revolutionary ideas that were transforming the art world. He experimented with different styles and techniques, embracing the vibrant color palette of Fauvism while also incorporating elements of Cubism into his work. Lhote's style evolved further when he encountered the principles of Cézanne's art, which had a lasting impact on his approach. He sought to synthesize the structural elements of Cubism with a more formal and classical sense of composition, resulting in a unique style that he called "Cubism of Volume."

In addition to his own artistic pursuits, Lhote became a highly influential art teacher. He opened his own academy, the Académie Montparnasse, in 1922, where he taught numerous students, including many who would go on to become significant artists in their own right. Lhote's teaching focused on the importance of composition, structure, and form, emphasizing the need to balance creativity with a solid foundation in artistic principles. Lhote's teachings were not limited to his academy but also extended to his writings on art theory. He published several books, including "Treatise on Landscape Painting" (1927) and "Figure Painting" (1932), which outlined his ideas on artistic principles and techniques.

Throughout his career, Lhote participated in various art exhibitions and received recognition for his contributions to the art world. His works were showcased in major galleries and museums, including the Salon d'Automne, Salon des Indépendants, and the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris. André Lhote passed away on January 24, 1962, in Paris, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Related artists include Maurice de Vlaminck, Raoul Dufy, Marcel Dyf, Gustave Loiseau, Maximilien Luce, Henri Manguin, Jean Metzinger, Camille Pissarro, Paul Signac, Maurice Utrilo, and Louis Valtat.

Condition: Visual: Overall good condition. Minor dust accumulation and specks of grime commensurate with age. A 0.75" scuff mark lower left. A tiny fleck of pigment loss lower right.

Blacklight: No evidence of restoration.

Frame: 26.75" H x 23.75" W x 2" D

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