This early to mid-20th-century self-portrait by Henri-Georges Bréard (1873-c.1939) depicts the artist deep in thought. He’s holding a pipe.
Henri-Georges Bréard was an accomplished French painter of landscapes, scenes, still lifes and portraits. Hailing from Paris, he spent his entire life in the French capital, exhibiting at several of its leading venues. He was trained by Henri Royer and François Schommer at the distinguished Académie Julian where the focus was on improving one’s drawing skills with particular reference to the old masters. As such, he became a fine draughtsman and maintained a deep respect for the luminaries of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
His early works include genre subjects, which are reminiscent of the French realist painters. In one of his most celebrated ‘The Newspaper’ from 1914, three elderly ladies sit together in a sparsely decorated interior. One holds a newspaper. The mood is sombre and reflective. The exquisite handling of these scenes earned him a place at the Paris Salon.
By 1921, he’d attracted the attention of the Galeries Georges Petit in Paris, which showcased the glitterati of Parisian artistry. In a review in the New York Herald, his watercolours were compared to those of Henri-Joseph Harpignies (1819-1916). “...his craft is wise, very wise, the drawing is sure and precise, and with these two elements he obtains effects which are not at all grandiose, but which can please.”
Later on, his known works are predominantly introspective and often feature his atelier - walls adorned with various drawings. He seemed to be intrigued by the very process of creating and selling art, as numerous scenes include patrons pondering over a selection of works on paper. During this later period, he also produced several self-portraits - this being a fine example.
Bréard’s legacy is one of precision, respect and quiet dedication. Towards the end of his career, he bequeathed an interesting collection of historic wooden statuettes to the Louvre Museum. He’s represented at the National Gallery of Canada.
Signed in the lower left and held in a frame which is probably original.
Learn more about Henri-Georges Bréard in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 28½” / 64cm x 73cm
Year of creation: c. 1935
Labels & Inscriptions: Canvas stamp on reverse from Hardy-Alan, 72 Boulevard Raspail. Hardy-Alan was a highly regarded supplier of artists’ materials. Numerous artists were serviced here including Auguste Renoir, Henri Fantin-Latour, Carolus-Duran, James McNeill Whistler and Vincent Van Gogh.
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator.
Artist’s auction maximum: £3,667
Our reference: BRV1805
