Émile Munier

Private collects ion (and sold: Replica Shoes 's, New York, April 24, 2003, lot 60, illustrated)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This painting has been restored recently and should be hung as is. The canvas has been lined, the paint layer is stable and clean and retouched. The retouches are visible under ultraviolet light in a couple of tiny spots around the extreme edges and beneath the nose and in the left cheek only. Overall, the condition is very good.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Replica Shoes 's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Replica Shoes 's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Replica Shoes 's or the Seller."

This charming small portrait depicts Marie Louise Munier. Although the work is dated 1880, the young girl was most likely painted by her father Émile Munier around 1876, at a t.mes when Marie Louise was roughly two years old, three at most. Munier often utilized earlier drawings and sketches for later compositions.

Thanks to the heirs of the Munier family, we know that Émile Munier was a true "family man," who was always deeply attached to his two children, Henri, son of Henriette Lucas, and Marie Louise, daughter of Sargine Augrand whom he remarried after the death of his first wife. It was thus natural that his children frequently were used as models, and especially his daughter, born in 1874, who was perhaps closer to her father.

This small painting is very representative of the art of Munier, a student and disciple of William Bouguereau. This vibrant small portrait perfectly reflects the happiness and the harmony which prevailed in the Munier home. A photograph from this t.mes , still preserved in the family archives, attests to the authenticity of this painting for which the original title eludes us.