The Blue Mandolin
- Date
- 1930
- Material
- Oil with sand on canvas
- Classification
- Paintings
- Collection
- Modern and Contemporary Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 46 x 35 in. (116.8 x 88.9 cm)
framed: 58 1/8 x 47 1/2 x 4 7/16 in. (147.6 x 120.7 x 11.3 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, NY / ADAGP, Paris
- Object Number
- 125:1944
NOTES
A mandolin, a dish of fruit, and sheet music are represented from multiple perspectives on a table set against a wall with faux wood paneling. Georges Braque was a gifted musician and his subject reflects his love of music. His use of the term "valse"—the French word for waltz—also highlights the Cubist tendency to include lettering in their paintings. Braque added sand to his paint, particularly in the background, in order to suggest the texture of a rough wall.
Provenance
by 1934 - 1944
Paul Rosenberg & Co., Paris, France; New York, NY, USA [1]
1944 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Paul Rosenberg & Co. [2]
Notes:
[1] In 1934, this painting was part of an exhibition of Paul Rosenberg's collection at Durand-Ruel Galleries, New York [Ellington, Laurie. "Braque, Matisse and Picasso Exhibited." "The Arts News" 32 no. 34 (March 17, 1934): p. 5, cat. no. 16]. By 1924, Paul Rosenberg gave Braque a first refusal contract; previously Braque was with Paul's brother Léonce Rosenberg and Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler [Gee, Malcom. "Dealers, Critics, and Collectors of Modern Painting: Aspects of the Parisian Art Market between 1910-1930." New York: Garland, 1981, p. 59]. According to the catalogue raisonné, this painting was exhibited at Paul Rosenberg & Co., Paris, in 1930 [Worms de Romilly, Nicole. "Catalogue de l'oeuvre de Georges Braque: Peintures 1928-1935." Paris: Maeght, 1962, vol. 4, plate 42]. It is likely that this painting was acquired by Rosenberg directly from the artist.
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, June 8, 1944.
Paul Rosenberg & Co., Paris, France; New York, NY, USA [1]
1944 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Paul Rosenberg & Co. [2]
Notes:
[1] In 1934, this painting was part of an exhibition of Paul Rosenberg's collection at Durand-Ruel Galleries, New York [Ellington, Laurie. "Braque, Matisse and Picasso Exhibited." "The Arts News" 32 no. 34 (March 17, 1934): p. 5, cat. no. 16]. By 1924, Paul Rosenberg gave Braque a first refusal contract; previously Braque was with Paul's brother Léonce Rosenberg and Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler [Gee, Malcom. "Dealers, Critics, and Collectors of Modern Painting: Aspects of the Parisian Art Market between 1910-1930." New York: Garland, 1981, p. 59]. According to the catalogue raisonné, this painting was exhibited at Paul Rosenberg & Co., Paris, in 1930 [Worms de Romilly, Nicole. "Catalogue de l'oeuvre de Georges Braque: Peintures 1928-1935." Paris: Maeght, 1962, vol. 4, plate 42]. It is likely that this painting was acquired by Rosenberg directly from the artist.
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, June 8, 1944.
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