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LA FRESNAYE, Roger de (1885-1925)

"PORTRAIT OF GAMPERT"

Pencil drawing  16-1/4 x 10-1/4"
Signed and dated : La Fresnaye 1920

The half length figure of Gampert is shown seated with a book in his right hand and his head turned to the left as he gazes out pensively. His right arm is bent while his left hand supports the elbow. 

The main point of interest is, most obviously, the face. Everything else in the drawing is there to emphasize it; The deep V of his coat, the position of the arms, and the angle of the book. His face has been more carefully drawn with the features modelled by the light which comes from his right. 

He has a square jaw, a long nose, and a high brow. His wide mouth is pleasantly turned up at the corners. His upper eyelids are perfect half circles heavily drawn and framed at the top by his brows and below by the deep round circles under his eyes. 

A clock is indicated on his left shoulder; behind his right arm the back of the chair is shown. 

Jean-Louis Gampert, an engraver, was a very close and dear friend of La Fresnaye. He made many extended visits to Grasse where La Fresnaye had retired in his last years. It was Gampert who encouraged him to continue working and not allow himself to be idle. 

Collection : P.M.Adda, Liverpool,

Exhibited : Salon d'Automne, 1920

Bibliography : "Dessins et Gouaches de Roger de La Fresnaye" Waldimar George, Paris, reproduced Pl. I.

Note : Our drawing is a study for the painting "Portrait of Gampert" owned by Robert H. Tannahill.