Fernand (Joseph Henri) Leger (1881-1955)

Deux Portraits

1952

Many thanks to Comite Leger for the following information and comments: This gouache is a study for the illustration of 'Source entière' by the French poet Andre Frénaud (Seghers edition). Attached, 2 photos of the art book. If this work is presented to us, we could deliver a certificate and proceed to the inclusion in the catalogue raisonné on our website www.comiteleger.fr (free access) for works on paper period 1946-1955.

The India ink drawing with watercolor and gouache relating to Arthur Rimbaud's book of poems, Les Illuminations is signed F.L. 52 lower right. Graphite inscription verso reads: 'original gouache executed by Fernand Leger in Paris and ceded [given over] by the artist to the undersigned October 14, 1952.' Ink stamp EDITIONS DES GAULES and stamp of the name LOUIS GROSCLAUDE above signature in graphite. The sheet is watermarked PERRIGOT ARCHES SPECIAL MBM FRANCE.

In late 1947 Louis Grosclaude, a Swiss publisher based in Zurich, requested that Leger create fifteen illustrations for an edition of Arthur Rimbaud's book Les Illuminations. The project appealed to Leger; during the difficult times in the years following the end of the Second World War, it would enable the artist to open a Swiss bank account and deposit a substantial sum of money. A contract between Grosclaude and Leger was signed 28 January 1948. Leger completed the ink drawings with watercolor and gouache by the end of the year. In addition to the designs that Leger sent to Grosclaude for Les Illuminations, he sold the publisher many watercolors that were ostensibly related to them. Grosclaude stamped these works he acquired on the reverse with his name. The receipt of purchase from 1967 for this work on paper from Sears Roebuck Company, The Vincent Price Collection, is included.

Sheet measures 22 x 30 with a framed size of 31.5 x 39.5 inches.

Provenance: A Kansas City estate. This work is listed on appraisals back to 1977. A receipt from Sears, Roebuck and Company The Vincent Price Collection dated 2/16/67 is included.

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Good to very good condition, minor edge chips, minor foxing lower areas, scattered light soiling, no damage, puncture, tear or repair, not laid down, pictured here outside the frame.