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466
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Hélène ELISSAGUE, known as ELIZAGA (1896–1981)
See original version (French)
466
-
Hélène ELISSAGUE, known as ELIZAGA (1896–1981)
See original version (French)
Estimate €10,000 - €15,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Hélène ELISSAGUE, known as ELIZAGA (1896–1981)
Basque Family at the Fountain
Oil on canvas, signed lower left
90 x 150 cm
This remarkable, panoramic and highly structured composition celebrates the women of the Basque Country. Gathered around a fountain, a symbol of the source of life, the women look after the children and carry water using the traditional vessel known as the pegarra, supported by the small head cushion, the burudittoa or kopetia. Only one man, standing solemnly to one side, watches over them with a protective, yet above all tender and admiring gaze.
The central figure—the only one out of balance and in motion, playing with the naked child—is the woman in the blue dress and red espadrilles. She echoes the young Basque girl in red espadrilles from the large painting sold on 8 August last year in Saint-Jean-de-Luz (lot 696 – sold for €16,000).
Amidst the artist’s Cubist brushstrokes, the children’s faces seem to have been given particular attention compared to the very generic profiles of the other figures.
Whilst we are fond of recalling the close bond that linked Hélène Elissague to Ramiro Arrue, this painting demonstrates that, in this instance, the pupil has succeeded in matching the master.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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