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AUGUSTE FRANCOIS-MARIE GORGUET (FRENCH, 1862-1927) ANTIQUE PAINTING IN OIL ON CANVAS
"Set for La Rotisserie des Poétes by Cyrano de Bergerac"
Signed lower right "A. F. Gorguet" c. 1910
Item # 412IKI08A
This fascinating study depicts the Rotisserie of Ragueneau, a large bakery located at the corner of Rue Saint Honoré and Rue de l'Arbre-Sec in Act II of Edmond Rostand's play "Cyrano de Bergerac." Notable for it's distinctive use of sepia tones, the scene is raw and unrefined, capturing the scene with urgency. Pencil under layers are still clearly visible even to the eye, figures shadowy and some almost an afterthought - the overall result is a very effective and incredibly striking rendering of this Poets' Cook-shop. Each character is clearly defined, humor and context is detailed into the perfectly scaled image. This painting is directly referenced in the monumental E. Benezit (vol. VI, p. 461 - see p. 460 for a short biography of Gorguet) and still retains the labels and lot number from that sale on the back of the painting.
An exceedingly well preserved work, this is an investment grade selection for any serious collector of Romantic genre scenes. It has a certain magnetic quality in the tonalism of it's limited palette, which combined with the intriguing subject makes for a very smart and highly enjoyable scene.
Provenance: Sotheby's, London, 17 Jan 1996, Lot 411; Sloans and Kenyon, 11 June 2006, Lot 1766
Measurements: [framed] 32 1/2" W x 21" H; [canvas] 27 1/2" W x 16" H
Condition Report:
Original lining. Exceptional condition. No apparent restoration visible under UV. Frame is early if not original, the edges with some gilt losses, wear to surface as expected. Please review all images in the slideshow for a full overview of condition.
