Giovanni Boldini (Italian, 1842-1931)

This work is part of a series of highly refined and picturesque watercolours executed by Boldini shortly after he had established himself in Paris in 1871. Commissioned by the art dealer Adolphe Goupil, these works were characterised by jewel-like colours, and a lightness of touch and spirit that harked back to French drawing of the 18th century, in particular to the work of Watteau. These anecdotal drawings, which invariably depicted elegant interiors, usually populated by coquettish figures in period costume, were widely admired and commercially very succcessful, helping to seal Boldini's reputation as one of the most highly-sought after artists of the Parisian Belle Epoque.

This work is sold with a photo-certificate no. 2556 by Francesca Dini, whom we would like to thank for her assistance in cataloguing this lot.