15th Apr, 2025 10:00
Modern and Contemporary Art
Léopold Survage (Russian-French, 1879-1968)
'Maison de repos'
signed and dated 'Survage/43' l.r., also signed and inscribed with title verso, tempera on board
70 x 99cm
Provenance: The painting was gifted to Francis Kelly, thence by descent - Kelly worked under Survage at his studio for three years;
Sotheby's, 4 December 1991, lot 155.
This lot is sold with a certificate of authenticity from Anne-Marie Divieto.
Léopold Survage’s 'Maison de repos' is a masterful exploration of space, colour, and form, illustrating the artist's remarkable ability to unfold multiple dimensions within a single, flat surface. Survage was renowned for his innovative approach to perspective, twisting and connecting spaces in ways that both challenge and captivate the viewer. In this work, the outlines of figures and shapes merge seamlessly with their surrounding spaces, using bold, contrasting colour blocks that invite the eye to navigate complex compositions with ease.
The central figure appears to walk across a wavy pavement, while a second figure on the left combs her hair within a space created by a tear in the composition. This dynamic interplay between continuity and discontinuity creates a sense of movement and change, allowing the viewer to feel time unfolding within the frame. Survage's paintings often evoke an unfinished narrative, encouraging a desire to uncover more, even as they remain anchored within the confines of their framed space.
As one of the great painters of his time, Survage's work stands out for its inventive handling of space and form, making him a key figure in the development of early modern abstraction. His ability to blend figuration with abstraction placed him at the forefront of 20th-century art history, pushing boundaries in both technical skill and conceptual depth.
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£15,000 - £20,000
Buyer's premium: 30.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
PROVENANCE: With a certificate of authenticity.
Framed: 71.5 x 101cm
Cracking to the paint. Light surface scuffs and abrasions. Minor losses to the edges. Two small losses to and above the face in the upper right quarter where the board has a support nailed behind. A little surface dirt. Not examined under UV light, for a full report please contact the department.
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Auction: Modern and Contemporary Art, 15th Apr, 2025
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
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Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 11 April, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 13 April, 10am - 1pm
Monday 14 April, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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