Lot 28: Antoine (Anto) Carte (Belgian, 1886-1954) Le clown rose

Le clown rose
signed
oil on canvas
124 x 90cm (48 13/16 x 35 7/16in).

PROVENANCE:
Dr Fernand Poncelet, a friend of the artist
Thence by descent

LITERATURE:
Anto Carte, Albert Guislain, pl.42, Brussels, 1950

Carte was influenced in his development by three symbolist painters; Montald Constant, Emile Fabry and Jean Delville. Whilst in Paris, he discovered the work of Pierre Puvis-de-Chavannes and Maurice Denis and elements of the simplicity and spiritualism of these artists appear in his work. Undoubtedly while in the city, like many artists of the day he was inspired by Picasso. Le clown rose recalls Picasso's pierrot and circus subjects. Carte was intrigued by circus scenes, and there are at least two other paintings known of similar subjects, Le Cirque of 1926 and L'Arlequin et les attributs de marriage. Most of Carte's oeuvre consists of portraits of humble fishermen or peasant figures.