Joseph Castaing (1860–1918) Notre Dame De Pau, Black Pencil On Vellum, Circa 1915

Joseph CASTAING
Pau 1860–1918

Madonna and Child, Our Lady of Pau
Circa 1915
Black pencil on vellum
44.5 x 30.5 cm drawing
50.5 x 36.5 cm frame
Good condition

Bibliography: https://joseph-castaing.com/

This drawing is a preparatory study for a composition titled “Notre Dame de Pau,” intended for a religious building in Béarn around 1915. Our research has not allowed us to pinpoint the exact location of the canvas (Castaing did not paint frescoes; these religious compositions intended for churches in the region were canvases that he "stuck directly onto the walls, sometimes embedded in the paneling"), nor were we able to find a photograph of the work—only an engraved reproduction of it (see photo). On the other hand, the artist seems to have been satisfied with this Virgin and Child, since autograph replicas appear to have been painted and drawn (at least one). In fact, we have identified a large, high-quality pastel that appeared on the art market a few years ago, depicting this same composition (see photo).