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MJV SOUDANT
7
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James Ensor and Georges Creten.
See original version (French)
7
-
James Ensor and Georges Creten.
See original version (French)
Estimate €3,000 - €4,000
Voluntary lot
Description
James Ensor and Georges Creten. An exceptional photographic archive comprising three albums of photographs that belonged to Georges Creten (1887–1966). This is a rare insight into the Belgian art scene of the interwar period, offering a glimpse into the private lives of the painter’s circle of friends. Among them are 65 photographs of James Ensor (1860–1949), several of which show the artist in private settings as well as his famous ‘shop’ selling painted shells in Ostend. One of the most striking images is a portrait of Ensor, whose face seems to blend into a background filled with painted masks and a skull. Two autograph letters from James Ensor, dated 8 December 1926 and 18 May 1927, confirm that these photographs were taken by Jeanne Creten, wife of Georges Creten. In his letter of 8 December 1926, Ensor writes: ‘Ostend, 8 December 1926 Dear Madam, I am utterly charmed by your parcel; you are the most sensitive and artistic of photographers. You present me in a serious light, with an expression made even more grave by the pose. That says it all. I am pleased with myself and with you, dear Madam, and my friends gaze with admiration at my stern and venerable image, praising your fine talent as a photographer. Once again, my heartfelt thanks and sincere regards, also to my excellent friend Georges Creten. Your friend, J. Ensor. ’ Among the other artists photographed are notably Gustaaf De Smet (1877–1943), Louis Thevenet (1874–1930) tasting Emma’s tarts, which were ‘as delicious as they were beautiful’, Georges Creten alongside Constant Permeke (1886–1952) in his studio in Ostend — accompanied by a postcard sent by Permeke — as well as Paul Haesaerts (1901–1974) painting Creten’s portrait in 1929. The collection also includes four magnificent and rare photographic portraits of Léon Spilliaert (1881–1946), taken in 1928, showing him posing in front of his works, accompanied by a signed letter dated 17 February 1933. Also included is a ballpoint pen sketch by Georges Creten from 1942 depicting Edgard Tytgat (1879–1957) in profile, as well as several photographs of the artist in his home alongside his wife Maria. Of particular note are pieces of furniture painted with Expressionist scenes, as well as a windmill ‘that was turned by a crank’. Creten also appears in the company of Hyppolite Daeye (1873–1952), Ferdinand Schirren (1872–1944), Ramah (1887–1947), Georges Minne (1866–1941), Gustave Van de Woestijne (1881–1947), Jean Milo (1906–1993), Paul Maas (1890–1962), Prosper De Troyer (1880–1961) and Valerius De Saedeleer (1867–1941). The latter is the subject of a rare feature on the looms of Élisabeth De Saedeleer (1902–1972) and her young female workers from the village. One magnificent photograph in particular shows Élisabeth in front of her loom in 1924. This rare and exceptional collection comprises 324 photographs, numerous press cuttings and two pencil portraits of James Ensor by Georges Creten.
See original version (French)
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Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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