Nu allongé au chat (Reclining Nude with Cat)
Painting on canvas • Bernard Charrier (French, 1923–2010)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modernist / École de Paris influence with elements of Cubism and Expressionism.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, featuring heavy black contour lines and segmented color planes typical of mid-century French modernism.
Creation Period
Circa 1950-1960
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 50 x 60 cm (canvas size), presented in a landscape format.
Subject Description
A reclining female figure viewed from behind, resting on a surface alongside a curled black cat, a morning newspaper, a cup, and a vase of flowers. The composition uses a high-contrast palette and geometric simplification of form.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paint layer appears stable with healthy impasto, housed in a contemporary gilded frame.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 – $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 – $1,800 USD
Provenance History
Signed 'B. CHARRIER' lower left. Likely sourced from a private French collection or a gallery specializing in post-war European modernism.
Art Historical Significance
Charrier was a member of the post-war generation of French painters who bridged the gap between traditional figurative subjects and modern abstraction. This piece reflects the late influence of the 'La Jeune Peinture' movement focused on reinvigorating figurative art.
Notable Features
Bold red/orange signature in the lower left corner. The use of heavy black outlines creates a stained-glass effect typical of the artist's structural style.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and very slight yellowing of the varnish. Minimal frame-rubbing along the extreme edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional light surface cleaning and a new UV-protective varnish to enhance colors. Display in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.