signed and dated 1908 lower right; signed, titled and dated on the reverse
10 × 8 in (25.4 × 20.3 cm)
Auction Estimate:$7,000 - $9,000
Sale date:November 19, 2019
Price Realized
Price on request
(including Buyer's Premium)
Provenance
Private Collection, Ottawa
Literature
Laurier Lacroix, Suzor-Coté: Light and Matter, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, 2002, pages 223-24
Known as one of French Canada’s most versatile artists, Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté was renowned for his depictions of the Quebec landscape as well as images of the province’s many inhabitants. In addition to receiving many commissions to paint portraits of members of the social elite, including Sir Wilfred Laurier, the artist frequently depicted the female nude as well as portraits and genre scenes of peasants or the ‘habitants.’ “Loretta” presents an intimate and romantic portrait of a young woman, demonstrating Suzor-Coté’s ability to capture the character of the sitter with great intimacy. The stylistic influence of French Realist artists are apparent in the painting, through the soft paintbrush handling and his focus on the sitter’s character and expression, rather than her social status or surroundings.
