The French interior is always an appealing subject to me, and this is no exception The painting is signed and noted as Pierre Henry Bessede (1846-1918), done in 1890, oil paint on board panel so in fine condition. The artist is a listed French artist, and still life was of interest. This chair and guitar precedes his later Animalier "nature morte" still life paintings which we've shown in auction catalogues of Europe. To me, one of the very interesting things of this painting, apart from just a very pleasing composition and appealing subject, is that the artist was painting in the transitional space influenced by both the Impressionist movement and also the Cubist movement. You can see that he has looked at Brach, and other artists moving into Cubism and deconstructionism. A very interesting mix of styles - playful. The size of the painting is rather intimate, frame is 17.5" x 12.5" and is 1" deep. Nice to hang lit by a table lamp, or against your bookcase. The frame is a simple wood frame, original to the painting.
Very good to excellent condition as is visible in our photos. Detail shots, full and backside. I will say, our photos do not do this one justice. The glares of side lighting showing for which I apologize. Inviting and charming, the musician likely being just out of frame somewhere - the artist's room?
