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What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part I
|
- Sale 2720
Live
| Philadelphia
Feb 27 | 12:00 PM EST
Live
| Philadelphia
Sale 2720
| Philadelphia
| Philadelphia
Estimate$30,000 – $50,000
Executed circa 1840-45, Matinée Brumeuse dans les Montagnes, depicts a mountain landscape shrouded in mist, giving the entire composition a dreamlike quality. Arestrained palette, particularly soft greens and grays, evokes the stillness of the day’s early hours. From foreground to background, subtle transitions between light and shadow contribute to the serenity of the painting. The mist, barely perceptible, casts a gauzy veil over the scene, blurring the boundary between reality and imagination. Both veil and revealer, it creates depth and distance–from mountains to hilltop village to sunrise–while inviting viewers to explore the space in-between.
Painted on site (most likely in Auvergne), and in a delicate blend of Romantic and Barbizon influences, Corot homes in on the elusive, ephemeral qualities of nature–qualities enhanced by his choice of subject matter, a misty morning. Matinée Brumeuse, in turn, becomes a poetic meditation on the fleeting moments when nature is transformed by atmospheric conditions. Unlike his contemporaries, Corot conveyed not only the physical reality of his settings, but also the emotional and spiritual resonance experienced therein. The mist, then, functions as a metaphor for the intersections between tangible and intangible, and between what is real and what is merely perceived.
The Artist.
The Estate of the Artist.
His Sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, sale of 26-28 May 1875, lot 33 (as Montagnes d'Auvergne).
The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The relined canvas in overall good condition, with no sign of inpainting as seen under UV light. We notice several scuffs at bottom center (in the green foliage) as well as at upper right corner. With slight contractions at center right, which appear like old repaired pokes. Some of the clouds appear purplish under UV light, but this is a result of the pigments used by the artist, as well as an excess of varnish (as seen at bottom left, protecting the stamped signature). The work would likely benefit from a light cleaning. See Specialist's pictures for more details.
To receive additional images, or for more information on this Lot, please email Specialist Raphael Chatroux at [email protected]
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have
