Lê Phổ, a work influenced by the Italian Renaissance

Vietnamese artist Lê Phổ, who graduated in 1930 from the Indochina School of Fine Arts in Hanoi, settled permanently in Paris in 1937, where he became a regular participant in French exhibitions, galleries, and art salons. His work reveals a blend of influences from the Italian Renaissance masters and the principles instilled during his academic training. On the occasion of an exhibition held in 1939 at the Salons of the Indochina Economic Agency, Raymond Lécuyer wrote in Le Figaro: “The supple grace of the women inhabiting their paintings remains mysterious to us ‘white barbarians’... These figures with elongated eyes and delicate mouths, who carry in every gesture an air of modesty and reserve—what are they dreaming of, and of whom? In the works of our three artists, there are no abrupt movements, no violent expressions: only dignity, contemplation, gentleness—gentleness with hidden meaning... This Asian art is like a whispered conversation—where silences speak volumes…” Le Bain, featured here today, is a perfect illustration of the works Lê Phổ created between 1938 and 1943. However, the exact context of its acquisition has yet to be determined—whether it was shown at Agindo, the Grand Palais, or the Palais de Tokyo. Another remarkable work, La Lettre, discovered in Algiers during the exhibitions organized by André Romanet starting in 1942, also stands as a striking testament to the artist’s technical mastery. Both pieces, passed down through the same family since their respective acquisitions, will be presented for sale by Aguttes on Tuesday, May 13 at 2:30 p.m. in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Images: Lê Phổ (1907–2001), Le Bain, circa 1938. Sale [47] Aguttes, May 13, 2025 Details, to be offered on May 13, 2025 Lê Phổ, Jeune femme au bord de l’eau. Sale [5] Aguttes, June 2, 2015 © Aguttes Lê Phổ. Sale [17] Aguttes, June 25, 2018 © Aguttes Lê Phổ, Mère et enfant. Sale [10] Aguttes, October 24, 2016 © Aguttes Lê Phổ (1907–2001), La Lettre, circa 1942. Sale [47] Aguttes, May 13, 2025 Lê Phổ, Le Thé. Sale [1] Aguttes, June 25, 2014 © Aguttes Lê Phổ, Jeune fille au voile clair. Sale [4] Aguttes, March 30, 2015 © Aguttes