Jean-ernest Aubert (1824-1906) Sappho - 1874 - Red Chalk Drawing

Aubert is a Parisian artist who won the Prix de Rome for engraving in 1844. A student of Paul Delaroche, he was a figure of French academicism in the 19th century. He was awarded several times at the Salon. The drawing we are presenting is a reworking of a work that he would continue to produce throughout his career. Several painted sketches have already been offered on the market, as well as a large canvas dated 1859 (An oil on paper, 21 x 15 cm., Artcurial, May 3, 2008; an oil on canvas sold in Bern, 88 x 63 cm, May 21, 2015 lot 2136, illustrated below) A reproduction of this painting appeared in the press under the title of this Sappho. This large sheet bears witness to the artist's skill, his knowledge of drapery and modeling, acquired through the transposition of the great masters into engraving. Signed, dated, dedicated, framed