Lê Phổ, “Femme aux oeillets”
Ink and colour on silk, signed upper right, titled and numbered on the back
64,1 × 44,9 cm (lot 14)
“Femme aux oeillets” is a work by Lê Phổ, showing a young woman wearing a traditional áo dài. She was smelling the gentle fragrance emanating from a few red and white carnations. Lê Phổ is known for his iconic personal style. Through his works, one can see the influence from classical Italian painters of the Quattrocento period on Vietnamese painting style.
Here, the artist depicted a woman sitting in a chair, one hand leaning on a table and the other holding a carnation, in a room. In this scene, the artist creates an emotional peace by using solid colors, delicate lines, soft shapes, and three-quarter portrait, evoking the influence of Italian art.
Lê Phổ brought a moment of peace, reflection and dreaming. The woman seems lost in her imaginary world, swept away by the scent of carnations. As a symbol of longevity and eternal happiness, their scent makes the woman dream and brings her into a state of contemplation. This work truly reflects Lê Phổ’s artistic style, dreamy and sophisticated.
ASIAN PAINTERS
MODERN ART OF VIỆT NAM
Auction on March 7, 2024
Contact: reynier@aguttes.com
Source: Aguttes
