Vera Rockline,
Russian, 1896-1934

Jeune femme au collier de perles (young woman...

Vera Rockline,
Russian, 1896-1934

Jeune femme au collier de perles (young woman with a pearl necklace);

oil, signed lower right, 41 x 33cm

Provenance: SCP Jean-Claude Anaf & Associé, Paris, 11 March 1990, lot 97; Aguttes, Paris, 20 December 2006, lot 116; Artcurial, Briest, 22 October 2007, lot 458; Christie's London, 29 November 2010, lot 131; Private Collection, London.

Exhibited: 'Vera Rockline rétrospective', Galerie Drouart, Paris, 22 November-14 December 1984, no. 4/209.

Note: Rockline was principally admired for her exquisite portrayal of female nudes, referred to by the renowned art critic and journalist, Raymond Escholier, as 'symphonies of flesh'.

The prevalence of Cubism in her early work, received via Alexandra Ekster in Kiev, is still apparent in the mask-like quality of the face delineated from her neck and shoulders, reminiscent of the work of Paul Cézanne. However, the impressionistic manner of the overall brushwork evinces the development of her own mature style, regarded by the authoritative magazine, LArt et les Artistes, as an inspired synchronisation between Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Gustave Courbet. Far reaching comparisons have been made with Rockline's palette and flesh tones, at times reminiscent of the work of Sir Peter Paul Rubens and the chaste and monumental treatment of her figures apparently hearkening back to the icons of her native Russia.

After settling in Montparnasse, Paris in 1922, Rockline exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon d'Automne, as well as the Salon des Tuileries. She was also involved in the exhibition, Women of Montparnasse, dedicated to the emancipation of female artists.