Georges Chabance Michelet : "large Pastel 1911"

Georges Chabance Michelet (1873-1946), pastel on canvas 100 X 75 cm, mounted in a beautiful regency style frame 120 X 93 cm a little damaged, signed and dated 1911. Little is known about the artist, except that he was born in 1873, that he had an early career as a portrait painter in the east of France, notably in Nancy, then, in the 1920s, seduced by the light of the Orient, he settled in Syria as an orientalist painter, leaving landscapes of both Syria and nearby Lebanon, as well as portraits of orientals. He also gave painting classes open to all which were very successful. Madame Chabance, born Madeleine Bray, lyric artist gave numerous recitals and participated in several operas such as, for example, Wagner's Meistersinger of Nuremberg under the artistic direction of the one who was to become her husband. Her portrait, here treated in pastel in a very free touch, twirling in the backgrounds and softer in the flesh (the grace of the hands!), is represented against the light with a subdued light by her immense hat in the fashion of the time, decorated with a bird's wing, while her summer outing outfit, elegant and supple, is close in its apparent simplicity to the outfits of Paul Poiret. Do not hesitate to ask us for photos or additional information by email or telephone. Other photos and many other objects in our shops in Pau and Biarritz and on our website: galerielhoste.com.