Camille Pissarro (French, 1830-1903) Two Women at Market

Description:

Camille Pissarro (French, 1830-1903)

Two Women at Market
Stamped "C.P." l.r.
Charcoal and watercolor on paper, 8 5/8 x 6 3/4 in. (22.0 x 17.0 cm),framed.
Condition: Toning, mat burn, paper tape around the perimeter of the reverse, cellophane tape remnants along the top edge of the reverse, likely from an old hinge.

Provenance: By descent through three generations of the consignor's family.

N.B. Accompanied by a letter from Dr. Joachim Pissarro dated June 22, 2017, stating that the work will be included in the forthcoming Catalogue Raisonné of Drawings by Camille Pissarro.

Dr. Pissarro's letter explains that Pissarro was particularly interested in market scenes in the 1880s and 1890s, especially for the interactions among ages, classes, and sexes. The work at hand is closely related to a gouache by Pissarro titled Marché aux Pommes de Terre, Boulevard des Fossés, Pontoise. The two foreground figures are almost identical in each work, although the gouache presents some extra detail particularly in the background. Pissarro likely conceived of this drawing around the same time as the gouache, c. 1882.
Estimate $8,000-10,000

The "ghost image" on the reverse of the paper results from toning, caused by the watercolor medium on the front acting as a kind of buffer to the toning process on the reverse, thereby reducing the toning in that area and creating what appears to be a pale image of the composition on the reverse.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.