Canvas: Height: 42" - Width: 62"; Framed: Height: 45" - Width: 65.5"
Oil on canvas
This frieze-like tableau is densely composed of human, animal, and mythological figures in an Arcadian landscape, its muted palette offsetting its luminous, marble-like nudes. The original painting, "La Voix de Pan", was exhibited at the 1936 Salon des Artistes Français. It was widely reproduced in the press, most notably as a full-page image in the magazine "L’Illustration," described as a masterful composition and a highlight of the Salon. It was exhibited "hors concours" (a non-competitive entry). Aubry was a member of the Institut, a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts, and a member of the Salon’s honorary committee. It was painted many times—judging by the number of appearances at auction—often signed with a different name and marked "cop." (for copy) or described as "after Emile Aubry." Our example could very well have originated in his studio; it was common practice for a composition with strong decorative appeal to be painted in various sizes to fulfill specific decorative commissions. A "study" for this work is held at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Pau. In the absence of a signature, we offer this painting as likely one of the many period copies of this very popular Art Deco work.
Bibliography:
L’illustration, #4862, May 9, 1936, special edition Salon de Peinture 1936. The original painting by Emile Aubry features in this magazine.
