£20,000 - £30,000
ATTRIBUTED TO HENRI MATISSE (FRENCH 1869-1954): A BRUSH AND INK DRAWING ON PAPER 'TÊTE DE FEMME',
74cm x 53cm
Mounted in a frame and glazed.
89cm x 70cm.
Provenance:
Property of a gentleman, Esher, Surrey.
This work was purchased by the present owner in 1981 from a private French collector who acquired it from Simon Abitbol, a notable Parisian art dealer with premises at 2 Rue Drouot, next to where the famous Hotel Drouot auction house is located.
According to a leading Matisse authenticator, it appears to have been inspired by a comparable drawing which is very similar in style and is published in Matisse’s 1943 illustrated book Themes & variations. However, it is generally acknowledged that in the later years of Matisse's career, he continued the refinement of the "Tête de Femme" series.
Whilst the drawing has not been definitively authenticated, it possesses several attributes that suggest that it could be part of the Tête de Femme series.
Matisse’s “Tête de Femme" drawings have had a lasting impact on the art world. They are notable for their elegance, simplicity and expressive quality. These drawings highlight Matisse's mastery in capturing the essence of his subjects with minimal lines and a keen sense of form. Despite the simplicity, the drawings are highly expressive and convey a range of emotions and personality traits through subtle variations in line and form. They exemplify his innovative approach to portraiture and his significant contributions to modern art.
For other examples of Matisse 'Tete de Femme' works at auction, see below:
1. Christies, Impressionist and Modern Day Sale. Property from the Collection of Lew and Edie Wasserman, Lot 202, 2nd November 2011.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5492960
2. Sotheby's, The Emily Fisher Landau Collection: An Era Defined, Lot 130, November 9th, 2023.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/the-emily-fisher-landau-collection-an-era-defined-day-auction/tete-de-femme
3. Sotheby's, Impressionist and Modern Art: Part two, Lot 294.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2003/impressionist-modern-art-part-two-n07936/lot.294.html
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
28.80% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
32.4% inc VAT*
