Emporium | Premier Auction
Fri, Mar 22, 2019 09:00AM EDT
Lot 1086
Jan Baptist Huysmans
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
(Belgian, 1826–1906)
The Nations Coming together to Aid the Victims of a Flood, original artist's partial label verso "Les Nations venant au decouvre..", signed lower left "J.B. Huysmans", oil on canvas, 16-1/2 x 29 in.; fine gilt wood and composition frame, with deep relief strap and leaf decoration, 25-3/8 x 37-5/8 in.
Provenance: Property From an Important Tennessee Living EstateNote:France plays the central role in this allegorical composition of "Fraternité." The strength of nations is represented by a group of classically attired women draped with their national flags and bringing a coffer to the aid of "sister" nation in mourning for a catastrophic loss of life and home. This is emphasized by her black gown and her seated position against a rolled mattress next to an inscribed pedestal "[Pour les Inondes]" (For the Flooded). The theme is also contrasted in the background which shows a strong fortress surmounted by the French flag to the right and a devastated city with an extensive flood and a black tattered flag to the left.
Known primarily for Orientalist themes, this allegorical painting records an event that moved the artist to commemoration. The date on a central fallen column suggests 1875 as the date for this catastrophe.
