Bidspirit auction | Louis Fortuney, 'The Alchemist' Signed

Louis Fortuney, 'The Alchemist' Signed Pastel Painting, Circa 1907 - Keywords: French Art, Alchemist, Alchemy, Scientist, Laboratory, Scholar, Judaica, Rabbi, Interior, Fortuny, Belle Epoque, Symbolism, Genre Painting, Antique Painting, Early 20th Century Summary: Louis Fortuney (1875 Argeliers - 1951) Louis Fortuney was the self-chosen pseudonym of Louis Ernest Fortuné Andrieux. Fortuney studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse before moving to Paris at the age of 20. Fortuney worked mainly in pastel. His brief career encompassed both the Romantic* fascination with Orientalist* themes, and a prescient loosening of brush-stroke and color. This work depicting a bearded scholar or alchemist seated in a dark laboratory interior surrounded by glass retorts, vessels, books and scientific instruments. Signed ‘Fortuney’ lower left. Period French biographical text by René Maizeroy, dated Paris, December 1907, affixed verso. Together with an elaborate damaged gilt frame with old artist identification plaque. A period essay by French author René Maizeroy, dated December 1907 and preserved with this painting, describes Fortuney as a young painter known for colorful, imaginative compositions and scenes of contemporary life. Maizeroy praises the artist’s vibrant palette and his depictions of figures, interiors and fashionable society. Measurement: Art: 21 1/4 x 29 1/2 in. (54 x 74.9 cm.), Frame: 29 3/4 x 38 in. (75.6 x 96.5 cm.) approx Condition: Bidders are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and, when possible, examine items in person prior to bidding. Photographs form an integral part of each lot's description. The absence of a condition report, notation, or reference to damage does not imply that an item is free from defects, restoration, wear, or other condition issues. All items are sold as is, where is, and may show signs of age, use, wear, repair, or prior restoration. By placing a bid, bidders acknowledge and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale. All descriptions, catalog statements, condition reports, reflect an opinion based on the information provided to us at the time of cataloging. Any certificates of authenticity, if provided by consignor, will be noted in the catalog. Clocks and watches are not warranted or represented to keep accurate time. We strongly recommend that all vintage lighting be examined or rewired prior to use. Auction Galleries reselling works do not issue Certificates of Authenticity. COA's should best be sought from the original artist or their foundations, which often refrain from giving written authentication opinions. Accordingly, works are sold as ATTRIBUTED to the artist or maker named in the description. These attributions reflect an OPINION and are intended to provide collectors, researchers, and institutions the opportunity to study and further contextualize the material offered or establish a work's art-historical significance.