Description:
Léon Augustin Lhermitte (French, 1844-1925)
The Hayfield
Signed "L Lhermitte" l.r., identified on a fragmentary Parke-Bernet auction catalog page affixed to the frame backing, stamped "HAVARD Frères" on the wood frame backing.
Pastel on paper, 12 1/2 x 17 13/4 in. (31.5 x 45.0 cm),framed.
Condition: Not examined out of frame.
Provenance: A private New York collection; to Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, February 19, 1948, Lot 24; by family descent to the current owner.
Estimate $8,000-12,000
The Parke Bernet fragment bears a handwritten inscription in ink, "The above picture was purchased at auction Parke Bernet Galleries, Feb-19 1948 for $150.00"
The pastel is held in the frame with thin wood strips nailed along the outer edges, so that the work could not be removed easily from the frame. The overall condition appears very good. The u.r. corner of the paper is not covered with pastel, and one can see the sandy texture of the paper.
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.

Stephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000

Robin S.R. Starr
Vice President
Director of American & European Works of Art
508-970-3206

Elizabeth Haff
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Old Masters & 19th Century
508-970-3206

Kathleen M. Leland
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Modern & Contemporary Art
508-970-3206

James Leighton
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Fine Photographs
508-970-3206

John Dorfman
Director, Books & Manuscripts
508-970-3293
American & European Works of Art
The American & European Works of Art department brings years of experience, connoisseurship, and knowledge of art history to bear in every fine art appraisal, evaluation, and auction.