Lot 176: AUGUSTO CHARTRAND (DUBOIS) (Cuban 1828-1899)

AUGUSTO CHARTRAND (DUBOIS) (Cuban 1828-1899) FISHING ON THE MALANGES RIVER. Outstanding and rare work from one of the three acclaimed Chartrand brothers. This work typifies the work of documenting Cuban landscape which is considered the best of his work. Unsigned oil on canvas scene shows a river bend with large tree having hanging vines and moss on right bank, the large roots partially exposed. Above the tree is a camp with a fire and cauldron cooking. In the foreground a young boy holds a post with net attached as a rowboat with four figures as one man releases the net across the river. Two other sailboats are seen on the calm water. The river is palm tree lined with lush vegetation all under a blue and light cloud sky. Housed in its original period gesso decorated outstanding frame. PROVENANCE: From a fine Downeast Maine home. Prior to this, owned by the owner's of a Cuban sugar plantation in the 1800's. Believed to have been purchased from the artist. REFERENCE: This work is sited in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventory of American Painting and Sculpture database (Control Number: IAP 17960008). SIZE: 16-3/4" x 22". CONDITION: Original canvas has a patch on reverse which supports a 1/2" slit in center of river. Some fine craquelure, otherwise very good. 9-74837 HP