Oil on canvas (lined), signed and dated "Léon Comerre / Lille 1875" at lower right, presented in a later gilt composition frame.

SS 78.5 x 50 in.; DOA 87 x 56 in.

Sotheby's, London, 11 June 1997, lot 122
Kurt E. Schon, Ltd., New Orleans, LA
Private Collection, VA

Born in Trélon, Léon Comerre and his family moved to Lille in 1853. His parents were supportive of his artistic aspirations and talent, allowing him to study with Alphonse Colas at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lille. He was awarded a gold medal from the academy in 1867, earning him a scholarship to the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he continued his studies under Alexandre Cabanal.

This painting was completed in 1875, the same year Comerre was awarded the coveted Grand Prix de Rome for a religious painting, a gold medal from the city of Lille, and an additional medal from the Salon for a painting of Cassandra. Following his successes in France, Comerre was highly sought after for society portraits, such as the present work.

It is likely that the present work is a large portrait of Madame Verstaet Delbart and her son, with a garden in the background, included in Léon Comerre: 1850-1916 by George Comerre. Mr. Comerre notes that the Delbart portrait was exhibited in Brussels in 1876.

$20,000 - 30,000