Oswald Poreau, Seated Nude In Leather Boots

Oswald Poreau, Seated Nude In Leather Boots

A fine oil on canvas depicting a seated woman wearing only a pair of knee-high leather boots. Her legs are crossed and she holds her left hand to her face.

It’s an interesting painting for several reasons. Firstly, the composition has us standing by a chair looking down at the right side of her body. This unusual view highlights her curves and fleshy skin tones, which are rendered with an impressionistic touch.

Secondly, the artist, Oswald Poreau (1877-1955), was primarily a landscape painter and isn’t known for nudes - so maybe this is an intimate portrayal set within a home? There’s certainly a degree of sensuality to it.

And thirdly, why is she wearing boots? Had this been discussed during the sitting? Was it her idea or his?

Oswald Poreau was a Belgian artist who trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels under Joseph Stallaerts.

The painting is signed/dated in the lower left.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 13” x 21” / 34cm x 53cm
Year of creation: 1920
Provenance: France
Condition: A few minor losses but overall very presentable. Craquelure in areas. Frame with a little wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £7,110 achieved in 1912 for ‘Chalands sur le canal enneigé’.

Conservation & History

We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

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