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Home / Art & Antiques / 2012 May 15 Signature American & European Art - Dallas Auction #5096 / Lot #64079
    LOT #64079  | 
    Sold on May 15, 2012 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

    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...

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    • Fine Art - Painting, European, 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...
    • Fine Art - Painting, European, 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...
    • Fine Art - Painting, European, 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...
    • Fine Art - Painting, European, 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...
    Fine Art - Painting, European, 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... Fine Art - Painting, European, 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... Fine Art - Painting, European, 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... Fine Art - Painting, European, 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... View More >
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    Description

    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 cm)
    Signed and dated lower left: Hugues Merle 1868

    PROVENANCE:
    Private collection, Amsterdam.

    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, as here, Mary Magdelene, Merle favored emotion-filled, often seductive, facial expressions and languid bodies to connote drama and pathos. Indeed, his Mary Magdelene emerges as the enraptured captive of Christ's love.

    The Musée du Luxembourg, Paris; Wallace Collection, London; and Metropolitan Museum, New York, are among the institutions featuring Merle's finest works.

    More information about HUGUES MERLE, also known as Merle, Hugues, Hugues Merle.

    Condition Report*: Re-lined canvas; scattered areas of faint craquelure throughout; otherwise in very good condition; not examined under black light. Original frame. Framed Dimensions 26.75 X 32.5 Inches
    *Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    May, 2012
    15th Tuesday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 7,099

    Buyer's Premium per Lot:
    25% on the first $50,000 (minimum $14), plus 20% of any amount between $50,000 and $1,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $1,000,000 per lot.

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    Sold on May 15, 2012 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)
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