99 - ‘A game of Basque pelota played bare-handed’ Oil on canvas 7…
See original version (French)

Estimate €1,000 - €3,000

Description

‘A game of Basque pelota played bare-handed’ Oil on canvas 73 x 100 cm (82 x 110 cm including frame) signed lower right. pseudonym of Bernard Cahn (1890–1943) A painter and cartoonist specialising in political, humorous, theatrical and cinematic subjects, he enjoyed immense fame. From 1918 to 1939, he contributed to the most famous magazines and newspapers, including *Le Canard Enchaîné*, *Le Rire*, *Crapouillot*, *Fantasio*, *L’Humanité* and *Le Figaro*…He created posters for exhibitions, films and theatre, as well as book covers – including nine for Georges Simenon, Louis Delluc, Maurice Dekobra, Henri Béraud, Paul Morand and Joseph Kessel… He discovered and explored the Basque Country whilst holding solo exhibitions at the Bayonne Museum. It was thus that, in a loving and respectful tribute to the region and the Basques, he painted, drew and engraved the landscapes and everyday life with passion. ‘His pencil, which he wields with a sure hand to capture the character and features of a face, has bite, strength, a pleasant liveliness and that crisp, swift stroke in which we immediately recognise his signature.’ – Francis Carrco. ‘Poor Becan, whose art consisted in bringing joy to others! Once Paris was under the boot, he began to fear the Gestapo so much that he no longer dared venture outside and remained shut away in his home. He could no longer sleep. As chance would have it, his flat opened onto the roof of a neighbouring building, and the poor man was always ready to climb onto that roof and throw himself into the void at the slightest sign of danger. Fearing a surprise attack, he kept watch by a window that was always open, through which the outside air and damp seeped in. Thus this comedian died of exposure.” Yvon Bizardel, Director of Fine Arts for the City of Paris, recounted Becan’s tragic end in his book *Sous l’Occupation* High-resolution photos: https://bit.ly/hdv-lausanne Exhibition: LA SALLE, 20 rue DROUOT, 75009 PARIS Monday 29 June, 10 am–6 pm, and Tuesday 30 June 2026, 10 am–5 pm Live auction behind closed doors, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland: Thursday 2 July 2026, 2.00 pm Delivery of lots with no delivery charges to PARIS, LYON, MARSEILLE and LAUSANNE a few days after the sale. Or dispatch from FRANCE at the buyer’s expense via the carrier of their choice.

See original version (French)

Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.

About the sale ATELIER BECAN (1890–1943) BASQUE PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS, PARIS, PUBLICATION, 300 PRESS ILLUSTRATIONS – GOLD COINS – SILVERWARE – MATTON (1931–2008) – PAINTINGS – SCULPTURES – EROTIC ART – TIBETAN RUGS

Auction location

Auction time 07/02/2026 at 12:00 PM

Lot description modified on 06/25/2026 at 9:24 PM

Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House

99 - ‘A game of Basque pelota played bare-handed’ Oil on canvas 7… See original version (French)

99 - ‘A game of Basque pelota played bare-handed’ Oil on canvas 7…
See original version (French)