Lot 208: Henri Martin , MUSE À LA LYRE

Painted circa 1890. Signed with the monogram (lower right) Oil on canvas

measurements 36 1/4 by 40 3/4 in. alternate measurements 92 by 103.7 cm.

Marsan Collection, Toulouse
De Montbel Collection, Paris

The authenticity of this work has kindly been confirmed by Cyrille Martin.

The present work is important example from the artistÂ?s early Symbolist period, which dates to before 1900, the year that the artist bought a large estate in Labastide-du-Vert, a village in the Lot region, in southwestern France. From this point on, Martin began to move away from the Symbolist roots of his youth, of which this work is fine example. It was one of three works on the theme of the muses, the classical female figures who provided inspiration to artists, poets and musicians. This series was commissioned by Madame Marsan, who gave them to her husband, a literary critic and important patron of the Symbolist movement. They hung in his study in their mansion in Toulouse, where no doubt they served to inspire their owner in his work.