André Lhote (1885-1962)
Femme travaillant sur le tricot
Pencil on paper 
32 x 23 cm
 
The authenticity of this drawing has been confirmed by Madame Dominique Bermann Martin, Director of L'Association André Lhote.
 
Provenance:
Private collection art historian Dr Alfred Scharf (1900-1965).
Relatives of Dr Alfred Scharf
 
Condition: 
The paper is slightly yellowed, with a light impression from the matting and a horizontal fold.
 
Information: 
André Lhote was an influential French Cubist artist and art theorist, born on July 5, 1885, in Bordeaux, France. His early artistic development took place at the École des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux, where he laid a solid foundation in painting.
 
In the early years of the 20th century, Lhote moved to Paris, where he was inspired by the emerging Cubist movement. Guided by the works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, he became a prominent figure of Cubism in France. The geometric shapes and deconstruction of objects typical of Cubism fascinated Lhote. His own style, influenced by Fauvism and Cubism, transformed objects and people into abstract forms without losing their figurative essence. He experimented with color, form, and perspective, all infused with his unique vision of the world.
 
The above work on paper is an exemplary illustration of Lhote's skill, wherein he creates a powerful semi-abstract portrait with just a few lines.
 
As the founder of the Academy André Lhote in Montparnasse, he influenced numerous students, including prominent names such as Tamara de Lempicka and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Lhote gained recognition as a respected art theorist. He published multiple books and essays on art and aesthetics, emphasizing his ideas about the social responsibility of artists and the importance of seeking harmony between tradition and innovation in the art world.