Clotilde Chrétien-colombe (1878–1968) – The Elegant Woman In Her Print Room

Clotilde Chrétien-Colombe (1878–1968) – The Elegant Man in his Print RoomPeriod: First half of the 20th centuryArtist: Clotilde Chrétien-ColombeTechnique: Oil on canvasDimensions: 55 × 31 cm (without frame) – 71 × 47 cm (with frame)Frame: Gilded wood with acanthus decoration (numerous losses and chips)Description: A refined evocation of a noble interior of the 17th century. An elegant man, dressed in a rich period costume with ruff and doublet, consults a print or a drawing in a wood-panelled room, perhaps a library or an amateur's study. The hushed atmosphere, the warm palette and the sartorial details reflect the historicist taste specific to Belle Époque genre painting. Signed lower right: C. Colombe di Cagliari — artistic pseudonym used by Clotilde Chrétien-Colombe, a French painter active in the early 20th century, specializing in historical scenes and elegant interiors. She exhibited regularly at the Salon des Artistes Français. Condition: Canvas in good overall condition, a small pinhole visible in the photo, very slight localized wear. The frame has numerous visible losses and chips, but retains its elegance. Provenance: Private collection