Francois Flameng

François Flameng (French, 1856-1923) A portrait of Madame Max Decougis signed 'François Flameng' (upper left) and dated '1895' (upper right) oil on panel 13 1/8 x 10 1/4in (33.5 x 26cm) EXHIBITED: Paris, 'Les expositions des Beaux-Arts' & 'La Gazette des Beaux-Arts', Le Salon de 1880 à 1900, May 1943, no. 72.

François Flameng (FRENCH, 1856-1923) Autumn beauty signed and dated 'Francois Flameng 1901' (upper right) oil on panel 18 1/8 x 14¾ in. (46 x 37.5 cm.) Anon. sale, Christie's, New York, 12 October 1993, lot 34, where acquired by the present owner. PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION

Lot Description François Flameng (Paris 1856-1923) Autumn beauty signed and dated 'Francois Flameng 1901' (upper right) oil on panel 18 1/8 x 14¾ in. (46 x 37.5 cm.) Provenance Anonymous sale; Christie's, New York, 12 October 1993, lot 34 ($10,000), where acquired by the present owner.

Francois Flameng (French, 1856-1923) A study for 'Jean Grolier in the house ofAldus Manutius' signed and inscribed 'a mon bon ami Lucas Francois Flameng' (lowerright); also inscribed illegibly by G. A. Lucas (lower right) oil on canvas 14 1/2 x 16 1/4in (36.8 x 41.2cm) Painted circa 1894 PROVENANCE: Samuel P. Avery, Sr.; Samuel P. Avery, Jr., his son; Amy Ogden Welcher, Hartford, Ct., his niece; Thence by descent to the present owner. There is no more interesting or brilliant figure to be found in thehistory of bookmaking than Jean Grolier de Servières, vicomted'Aguisy, Treasurer-General of France, ambassador to the Court ofRome and noted bibliophile. Grolier was born in Lyons in 1489 or 1490. His father, EtienneGrolier, was a gentleman of the Court of Louis XII and Treasurer tothe King in the Court of Milan. As a young man, Grolier wasintroduced to the French Court by his father, and under Francois I,he was made intendant of the army in Milan. He returned to Franceafter the battle of Pavia and was appointed ambassador to PopeClement VII in 1534. During his stay in Rome, Grolier began to build his library. Uponhis return to France, he was first appointed Treasurer to the Kingfor the districts of Outre-Seine and the Ile de France, and waslater appointed Treasurer General of France, a position he helduntil his death in 1565. However great his diplomatic and financial accomplishments JeanGrolier is most esteemed because of his passion for books. His nameis linked with the most famous printers and intellects of his time.Garuffi, Etienne Niger and Budé dedicated books to him. Erasmus ofRotterdam bestowed great praise upon him. Cloelis Rodigimus, AldusManutius, Baptiste Egnazio all dedicated works to him. Thehistorian de Thou compared Grolier's library with that of AsiniusPollio, the most famous library of ancient Rome. The present lot is a study for the painting which now hangs in theGrolier Club in New York City (fig. 1). Both works depict JeanGrolier in the house of the printer Aldus Manutius. Grolier, insumptuous dress, is being handed volume after volume by the printerand is carefully inspecting the bindings. The printing press itselflooms large on the right hand side of the painting. The stainedglass windows of the printer's studio are thrown open, giving theviewer a panoramic view of Venice outside the window. There have been significant changes between the study and thefinished painting. Grolier is depicted much younger and beardlessin the finished work, the windows are larger in the study, givingthe viewer a much expanded view of the lagoon and the stained glasspatterns are different. It is clear from the inscription on thework that Flameng intended it as a gift to George A. Lucas. Samuel P. Avery commissioned the original work from Flameng in thespring of 1891. This study and the print after the finishedpainting which is complimented by humorous remarques from bothFrançois Flameng and his father, Léopold Flameng remained inAvery's collection after the painting went to the GrolierClub.

measurements 37 by 51 in. alternate measurements 94 by 129.5 cm DESCRIPTION signed FRANÇOIS FLAMENG (lower right) oil on canvas PROVENANCE Wallace C. Yost Kurt E. Schon, Ltd., New Orleans Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1992 EXHIBITED Pensacola, Florida, Pensacola Museum of Art; Maitland, Florida, The Maitland Art Center, The Napoleon Collection of Wallace C. Yost , 1987-1988, no. 8