Célestine Moutet-cholé (1843-1930) - Portrait 1917

Drawing in charcoal, stump and white chalk heightening on paper, signed "C. Moutet-Cholé" and dated 1917 on the back of the chair. A half-length portrait of an elegant woman, her hair in a chignon, wearing a dark muslin dress trimmed with pale lace, seated in an armchair with a ringed hand resting on the arm. A portrait of great delicacy, with subtle modelling and a lively gaze, characteristic of the artist's portraiture.

Support: 50,5 x 41 cm
Artwork: 47,5 x 32,5 cm

Célestine Moutet-Cholé, née Cholé (Lunéville, 1843 – Paris, 1930), was a French painter and engraver. A pupil at the École Impériale de Dessin, she studied under Jules Lefebvre, Benjamin-Constant and Jean-Paul Laurens, among others. A recognised portraitist, she exhibited and produced many portraits (including that of Camille Guy, Governor of Senegal, 1906). She is listed in the Musée d'Orsay directory and her works appear at public auction. Her daughter, Pauline Vallayer-Moutet, was also a painter.