Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita (France/ Japan, 1886-1968), Vue de la Jetee et du Port de Sain-Quay-Portrieux, 1917

oil on canvas, signed and dated "T. Foujita 1917" lower left

Dimensions: 15 in. x 18 1/8 in.; 21 3/4 in. x 24 3/4 in. (framed)

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Sylvie Buisson. This work will be included in the fifth edition of the catalogue raisonné prepared by Sylvie Buisson.

Provenance: Acquired by the mother of the consignor circa 1975; by descent in the family.

This painting, depicting the port and lighthouse of the seaside resort town of Saint-Quay-Portieux, is a recently discovered early work by Léonard Foujita (1886-1968), one of the most recognized members of the School of Paris during the second quarter of the 20^th century.  The artist moved to Paris in 1913 and was immediately embraced by the creative community of Montparnasse, which included Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Diego Rivera, and Kiki de Montparnasse, among others.  The painting dates to 1917, a seminal year for the artist that saw marriage to his muse and fellow artist Fernande Barrey, as well as his first solo exhibition with the noted gallerist Georges Cheron, which as a sell-out success.  The painting features Foujita’s signature use of bands of thin oil wash that recalls the artist’s training in his native Japan.  

The canvas is unlined and on its original strainer.  Recently professionally cleaned of surface soiling.  A few scattered spots of infill visible under UV light in area by vessels near lighthouse.  Early apparent inpainting across sky, which does not flouresce under UV light.  The carved and gessoed frame possibly original and with scattered losses to gesso.  Old auction label on reverse.