15
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
(French, 1841-1919)
Après le Bain, circa 1910
Estimate: $12,000-$18,000
Sold
$14,000
Live Auction
What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part III
Location
Philadelphia
Size
26 1/2 x 21 3/4 in. (67.3 x 55.2cm)
Description
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
(French, 1841-1919)
Après le Bain, circa 1910
pencil and red chalk on tracing paper
26 1/2 x 21 3/4 in. (67.3 x 55.2cm)
The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This lot is located in Philadelphia.
Condition
In overall fair to good condition. The tracing paper is toned, and entirely laid down to the support board via white paper tape along all four edges (underneath which we notice remnants of old brown tape). Lightly faded, with remnants of red chalk around the figure up top (likely due to some rubbing). Discolored outer edges (mostly covered when the work is framed). With minor folds along the outer edges, lightly brittled, due to the mounting. We notice diagonal creases in the bottom right quadrant as well as at upper right. Localized air pockets, mostly visible in the background. With minor paper tears along the bottom edge (very stable). We notice repaired circular tears (punchless?) in the paper itself at upper left corner, as well as at bottom left (both visible with the naked eye, the latter is the largest, about 4 in. wide). With a center fold running horizontally across the center of the composition, due to the artist himself as the two pieces are paper are joined. Additional images available upon request.
Provenance
The present lot will be included in the forthcoming catalogue critique of Pierre-Auguste Renoir being prepared by the Wildenstein Institute established from the archives of François Daulte, Durand-Ruel, Venturi, Vollard and Wildenstein. It will be accompanied by a Letter of Inclusion from the Wildenstein Plattner Institute, Inc.Provenance:The Artist.To his son, Pierre Renoir.To Madame Pierre Renoir, Paris (widow of the artist's son).Sotheby's, London, sale of December 2, 1987, lot 447.Acquired directly from the above sale.Jeffrey Fuller Fine Art, Philadelphia.Acquired directly from the above sale.Lot Essay:Mr. Rothberg had a distinct appreciation for studies that prepared for later, finished works. These drawings aligned with his particular collecting philosophy, which centered on uncovering an artist's creative process. He believed that drawings most clearly revealed the inner workings of an artist’s mind.The current drawing fits seamlessly within this collecting vision. Created around 1910, it serves as a preparatory study for a painting of the same title (now held in a private collection) and exemplifies Renoir’s refined, modern style of the early 20th century. Executed in red chalk—a deliberate reference to an 18th-century technique—the piece features fluid curves and confident lines, evoking the influence of Rubens and Tintoretto, two masters whom Renoir deeply admired.