Description:

LÉON POURTAU (French 1868-1898) A PAINTING, "Still Life with Fruit and Picture Book," LATE 19TH CENTURY, oil on canvas, signed L/L, "L. Pourtau;" 11 1/2'' x 17 1/2'', framed 18'' x 24''. Note: Léon Pourtau was a musician and painter whose career was tragically cut short. Originally from Bourdeaux, he got his start working for a circus and playing clarinet in a cafe-chantant. His musical gifts were recognized early and at age 22 he became the youngest ever professor at the Conservatoire de Lyon. Through his interest in music, he met the artist Georges Seurat who was also a musician. They became friends and Seurat taught him painting techniques in the post-impressionist and pointilist styles. Pourtau joined a concert group and toured in the US for two years, but he continued to paint. He had his first and only showing at the annual exhibition of painting in Philadelphia in the winter of 1896-1897. In 1898 he decide to return to France and set sail on the SS La Bourgogne headed for Le Havre. His ship collided with a British ship in the fog off the coast of Nova Scotia and sank on July 4, 1898. Pourtau was lost at sea and the world lost a young and talented artist. 

  • Condition: There is a little bit of craquelure and the surface is quite dirty. There is a small (1/4'') horizontal band across the bottom where the painting has shifted in the frame and you can see the color difference between the dirty surface and the part which is less dirty. No other visible damage. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."

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