Lot 60: Mark Gertler (British, 1891-1939) Reclining Nude

Mark Gertler
(British, 1891-1939)
Reclining Nude signed and dated 'Mark Gertler 1930' (upper right)pencil and black crayon42 x 53.5cm (16 9/16 x 21 1/16in).

Provenance: Acquired by the present owner in the early 1990sPrivate Collection, U.K.The model for the present work is one of the Dennis sisters (Antoinette and Celia), who both sat for Gertler in the 1930s. Celia was one of his two pre-eminent models in this period, particularly for a series of nudes including The Sonata (1934). In the foreground a floppy checked hat can be seen, one of several familiar studio props which featured in a number of works from the 1920s, most notably one of a half-draped nude with a musical instrument, known as The Japanese Violin (1926). The present work is closer in style to the Renoiresque nudes of the 1920s than the plainer, more monumental nudes of the late 1930s.We are grateful to Sarah MacDougall for her assistance in cataloguing this lot, which will be included in her forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the Artist's work. Sarah would like to hear from owners of any work by the Artist so that these can be included in this comprehensive catalogue. Please write to Sarah MacDougall, c/o Modern British and Irish Art, Bonhams, Montpelier Street, London, SW7 1HH or email britart@bonhams.com