Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 28, 2018

LOT 120

Lot 120

CHARLES-ERNEST DE BELLE, A.R.C.A.

CHARLES-ERNEST DE BELLE, A.R.C.A.
Lot 120 Details
CHARLES-ERNEST DE BELLE, A.R.C.A.

FIVE YOUNG GIRLS

pastel
signed with monogram
sight 28 ins x 31 ins; 50.8 cms x 61 cms

Estimate $5,000-$7,000

Realised: $5,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
CHARLES-ERNEST DE BELLE, A.R.C.A.
  • CHARLES-ERNEST DE BELLE, A.R.C.A.
  • CHARLES-ERNEST DE BELLE, A.R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, Oakville (by descent from the artist)

Note:

Pastel is a challenging medium. It has been described as straddling the world of painting and drawing yet unlike both of these methods, it is very difficult to return to an earlier stage of the work to improve it. Using pastels requires both decisiveness and a deft touch. It has been described by one artist familiar with the medium as “working without a net”. Essentially, there is no room for error but when it has been done well, painting with pastel can result in magical works that seem woven from light and air.

Charles-Ernest de Belle (1873-1939) was a master of this medium, acutely aware of the level of skill the medium demands. Biographer Colin MacDonald notes “when ill health deprived him of the control in his hand so necessary in pastel work”, de Belle switched permanently to oil painting. Given its demands, a large-scale work such as this lot might be a fool-hardy undertaking in the hands of an artist any less competent than de Belle. But here experience and rare skill result in success. It is perhaps unsurprising that this work has remained in the artist’s family’s possession until now.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 120
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.