Lot 46: A winter walk

André Ratoucheff (French, 1903-1982) A winter walk signed, dated and inscribed 'A. Ratoucheff/28-VI-1930/Paris' (lower right) oil on canvas 24 x 28 ¾ in. (60.2 x 73 cm.)

60.2 x 73 cm.

Russian born André Ratoucheff followed in his parent's footsteps onto the stage. Small of stature, he was principally known as an actor with a travelling troupe of little people, performing in Italy, Greece and Egypt before settling in Paris, where he learnt to paint. In the early 1940’s Ratoucheff moved to America with his touring group, but he still exhibited his paintings annually in the French capital. An article written during his stay in America reported, “His real avocation... is painting in oils. He studied for a number of years in France and now, he says, is reasonably competent – ‘just enough for a little man’” (The New Yorker, New York, 16 January 1943 p.11).