HUGUES MERLE (French, 1823-1881) Mary Magdalene in the Cave, 1868 Oil on canvas 17-3/4 x 23-1/2 inches (45.1 x 59.7 c...
Auction amount: $27,500.00
Sold: Jun 22, 2014
Hugues Merle (French, 1823-1881)
Paintings
Biography:
The French academic painter Hugues Merle gained acclaim during his lifetime for his idealized depictions of family life and of historical and religious subjects. He was often associated with his friend and rival William-Adolphe Bouguereau; in fact, their shared dealer, Paul Durand-Ruel, urged Bouguereau to add to his pictorial repertoire Merle's interpretation of familial love, which had defined his most successful Salon entries during the 1840s through '60s. Whether imaging modern-day Madonnas with children, Susanna at her bath, or Mary Magdelene, Merle favored emotion-filled, often seductive, facial expressions and languid bodies to connote drama and pathos.
Heritage Auctions, the world's third largest auction house, brings decades of experience and connoisseurship to the fine art world. From Old Masters to contemporary works, our specialists help collectors understand and appreciate art and as the best place to sell fine art, we help sellers achieve the highest prices in the market.
Get Notified of New Matches
Create a Wantlist for Hugues Merle Artwork
Create Wantlist
Have Hugues Merle Artwork to sell?
Ask about cash advances.
Free Appraisal